Burglary Prevention Tips From East Brunswick Police

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The following are several home safety and burglary-prevention tips from the East Brunswick police department.

"We normally put this out in mid November but with Daylight Savings Time coming to an end in early November, we want to get the word out to our residents," said Lt. Sean Goggins of the department.

Every year there are over five million home burglaries in the United States, which account for 21% of property crimes. On average, one burglary results in a financial loss of $1,725. You can greatly reduce the risk of being burglarized by taking simple steps to make your home more difficult to enter and less enticing to potential burglars.

Contact the East Brunswick PD if you experience any of the following:

• Suspicious vehicles parked in your neighborhood.
• Learn your neighbor’s schedule so you can recognize unusual activity such as open doors, windows or persons walking on or through the property who are unfamiliar to you. If you observe suspicious activity report it to the police.
• In the event someone rings your bell claiming to be a solicitor, all solicitors must be permitted by the township. If they can’t provide proof or refuse to display their permit (close and lock your door immediately), call the police.
• In many cases, burglars will ring your door bell to determine if someone is home. If someone answers, they will make an excuse why they rang the bell. They may ask for directions or to use your phone. Close the door and contact the police immediately, note a physical description, what kind of vehicle they were driving and direction of travel, if possible.
• Do not allow anyone into your residence claiming to be from any water department, tax office, electric
• department or any public or private utility. Criminals often will pose as utility workers in an attempt to create a distraction and steal your valuables once you let them inside. Keep your doors closed and locked and contact the police. Officers will respond to determine if the person(s) are from a legitimate service.
• Do not attempt to intervene and approach anyone you believe to be suspicious, be the best witness from a distance and contact the police immediately.

How to keep your home safe:

• Make your home looks occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• Pushbutton locks are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.

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