East Brunswick Police Report Uptick In Home/Car Break-Ins

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick police report they have seen an increase in residential and motor vehicle burglaries throughout the Township during the fall of 2018.

To that end, officers and detectives have been assigned specifically to burglary patrols and East Brunswick police say they recently apprehended five suspects in four unrelated cases. In an effort to deter and apprehend those who wish to burglarize our resident’s homes, the department is urging residents to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. All callers have the option to remain anonymous. Please dial 911 for any emergencies or contact our dispatch center at 732-390-6900 for non-emergency calls. The East Brunswick Police Department encourages residents to reach out to our department with any suspicious activity. Remember, your call is important to us and can make a difference.

Contact the East Brunswick Police Department if your experience any of the following situations in your community:

• For any 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.

• If someone rings your door bell whom you are not familiar with. 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 immediately to determine if the person(s) are from a legitimate service.

• Please 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.

• Lock your doors and windows and make your home appear occupied at all times, if you observe anything suspicious contact the police immediately.

Concerning motor vehicle burglaries, did you know it takes less than 30 seconds to break into a car, grab what is in plain view, check the usual hiding places for other items, and get away? With very little time and effort, you can make a huge difference in your vulnerability to auto-burglary. We suggest taking these simple but important steps to avoid being a victim of auto burglary.

• Lock your vehicle's doors even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time. Items are frequently stolen from unlocked vehicles which allows for thieves to steal your stuff in seconds!

• Close all windows and sunroofs and set any alarm or anti-theft device already installed in your vehicle before walking away.

• Most auto burglaries occur at night while the vehicle is parked outside the victim's residence. Once home, unload your valuables immediately. Don’t store valuables in your car any longer than necessary, and certainly never overnight.

• Don't leave valuables in your car including packages and shopping bags. If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your final destination if at all possible to avoid observation of any would-be thieves who might take notice.

• Don't use "hide-a-keys." Thieves know the best places to hide those. Also, make sure garage door openers are hidden or removed when possible.

• Burglars also target vehicles during the daytime that are parked in parking lots while their owners are at work, in class, shopping or at their child’s sporting events. Park in busy, well-traveled areas and well-lighted areas at night.

• For additional tips on how to better secure your home and motor vehicle, visit our police department website at www.ebpd.net. If you have questions about residential security or are interested in creating a neighborhood watch in your community, contact Patrolmen Reggie Wright rwright@ebpd.net and Jason Fama jfama@ebpd.net of the Community Policing Unit at 732-390-6938.

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