Mayor Addresses Concerns Over Rise In Burglaries In East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — During Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen addressed an important issue in the township — the increase in residential burglaries in the Lawrence Brook section.

Since Lawrence Brook is close to the turnpike, burglars target the area as it’s easy for them to get away, Cohen told the community.

“We do understand that there is an increase. We prepare for it pretty much every year around this time,” Cohen said. “Police had already been putting more patrols out there.”

The mayor said the township and the police department have been assigning police in plain clothes and unmarked cars in the area. However, he refused to elaborate on the security plan put in the place.

“We will not be telling everybody what the security plan is for East Brunswick. That's just a roadmap for a burglar to know exactly where we are going to be at what time,” Cohen said.

To address safety concerns, the East Brunswick police department will be hosting a town hall-style meeting on Nov. 23, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the East Brunswick Public Library. More: After Rise In Burglaries, East Brunswick Police To Host Town Hall

Cohen encouraged residents to attend the townhall and take simple steps to ward off burglars.

“We rely on trying to get the public involved in noticing things and reporting them so we can make sure that we at least try to head them off as quickly as we possibly can,” Cohen said.

Here’s some guidance shared by the police department:

• Call 732-390-6901 immediately to report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity in your community. Do not wait...if you see something, say something. If it is an emergency, call 911
• If anyone soliciting to your residence who does not possess a permit specifically issued to that individual (not to the company they represent), then immediately call 732-390-6901 to report this.
• Install and test your alarm system regularly.
• Remove climbing aids like ladders and trash bins from around your property.
• Change the combination to your safes and bolt them to the floor.
• Keep high-value items in a safe deposit box or bank.
• Photograph and itemize jewelry and valuable items.
• Illuminate all entry points and exterior sides of your home and business.
• Motion sensor lighting will help deter break-ins.
• Keep your vehicle and glovebox locked while at work.
• Lock all windows and doors before leaving home.
• Park in spots further from a business which will allow time to survey the parking lot.
• Be aware of any cars in your neighborhood that aren’t normal.
• Be careful in using social media and avoid posting information about valuables or schedules.
• Work with your neighbors to look out for each other.
• If you are the victim of a burglary or attempted burglary, call 9-1-1 immediately and refrain from disturbing anything at the crime scene.

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