South Brunswick PD Expand Outreach, Offer Safety Training

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Police Chief Raymond Hayducka recently released a statement on residents' safety, after a woman was sexually assaulted last week in the area of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park on the border of Plainsboro and South Brunswick.

Hayducka said the safety of the community is the "cornerstone of all we do.”

“The events of this past week have raised concerns of everyone. Our Community Policing Bureau has programs designed to raise residents’ awareness of personal safety and steps you can take every day. We want to empower our residents with this knowledge and Lieutenant Rickle will come out to any groups seeking more information," Hayducka said.

The South Brunswick police department has released some basic steps that residents can follow to increase awareness of potential criminal activity.

Personal Safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up while walking and walk with a purpose. Pay attention visually to the actions and behaviors of those who are walking around.

• Trust your instincts.

• Be ready to take defensive action if necessary. This could be as simple as crossing the street and entering a populated area.

• Walk or jog in groups of two or more.

• Avoid isolated or dark areas.

• Travel with confidence and purpose.

• Limit headphones while walking or jogging.

• Know the locations of emergency phones.

• Do not use ATMs at night, in poorly lit or remote areas.

• Stay alert, and ahead of "What if...?"

• Report suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately by calling 911 or (732) 329-4646.

Residential and Workplace Safety

• Know your neighbors or coworkers. You are the best person to determine who does not belong.
• If you suspect you have been burglarized, do not walk into or disturb the crime scene area. Call the South Brunswick Police Department immediately. The chances of apprehending the burglar are greatly increased if the scene is left completely intact. Assist responding officers by providing information regarding all missing items.

Property and vehicle security

• Take your valuables (laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, etc) with you. Do not leave them unattended even "just a minute", for a restroom break. This is the single best deterrent to intruders.

• Conceal or hide power cords from cell phones, iPods & GPS units when left unattended within your vehicle.

• Lock your vehicle.

• Anti-theft devices such as the "Club" and car alarms may deter a thief from burglarizing or stealing your vehicle.

• Do not hide spare keys under your car.

• Record serial numbers of bicycles, computers, or other electronics, and keep these numbers in a safe place, separate from the devices. In the event these devices are lost or stolen, these serial numbers may assist the Police with locating your property.

Residents who would like more information can contact Lieutenant Gene Rickle by email at erickle@sbpdnj.net.