Police Share Home Safety Tips with Princeton Walk Residents

South Brunswick, NJ - The South Brunswick Police Department met with Princeton Walk residents Monday night to discuss how they can protect themselves from potential burglars, scams, and other dangers.

The public safety meeting had been scheduled months in advance, but there was a break-in earlier this month on Coriander Drive in Princeton Walk, reported Captain James Ryan.

At the meeting, held in the Princeton Walk Recreation Village, Capt. Ryan and Sgt. Gene Rickle said it was vitally important that residents report suspicious individuals and vehicles, and said residents should never feel as if they’re “burdening” the police department by calling 911.

“It’s important for residents to realize that you guys want our help in spotting anyone who might not belong and could be a burglar,” said Bob Harrison, the president of the Princeton Walk homeowners’ association and a 30-year resident.

Sgt. Rickle also reiterated the importance of making your home appear occupied to deter potential burglars, who usually strike during the day while homeowners are at work.

Tips from Sgt. Rickle to prevent burglaries:

• Secure all doors.
• Invest in a sturdy padlock and put a broom handle in your rear sliding door.
• Put a light or radio on to give the appearance that someone is home.
• Store valuables in difficult-to-find places where burglars won’t look.
• If you have an alarm system, use it!
• If you’re away on vacation, take precautions to ensure your home doesn’t appear empty (newspapers or mail accumulating, overgrown shrubbery, etc.)

In addition to potential burglars, be aware of scammers who try to solicit by going door-to-door:

• Like the advice you give your children, be wary of strangers.
• Don’t let strangers in your house, even if they’re adamant about needing to come in.
• Speak to them through a closed front door.
• If you feel alarmed, do not hesitate to call the police.

Princeton Walk Board Member Kevin Corcoran initially reached out to the South Brunswick PD to ask them to speak to residents, police said.

“The key to long-term success in addressing quality of life and crime issues is partnerships (with the community),” said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka.