Letter: Cedar Grove Resident Sounds off on Recent Burglaries

To the Editor.

I attended the Town Council meeting on Monday night where much of the discussion was about the recent increase in crime in Cedar Grove.
Primarily, but not limited to burglaries. Many excellent suggestions
were raised that will hopefully come to fruition and help the problem.

Unfortunately, there were only about 50-60 residents at the meeting (many of whom were directly effected by the burglaries.) The group who attended did so on short notice. But outside this group, I have spoken to other residents and find that there is a perception that this is a smaller problem than it really is. Some say, “didn’t they catch those guys on Young?” as if  they were the only ones.

There have been 15 burglaries since November 2011.

Why Cedar Grove? A highway running through it certainly doesn’t help. But I think its less about Cedar Grove, and more about the perception the criminals now have of our community. Each successful crime makes us look more and more vulnerable...or attractive. I’m sure we’re now perceived as an easy target. In fact, the two burglars who were caught on Young Avenue, took the bus to the bottom of the street and walked up. That’s nerve! And had it not been for vigilant neighbors and a swift police response, they would have landed another punch to the gut. But each time they succeed, I think more will come.

We need to re-establish Cedar Grove as a place where crime is not welcome, and success is not an option. We have a well-trained police force that is working very hard to protect us. But nothing can compare to an entire community of eyes and ears being watchful.

I’m not a security expert nor work in criminal justice, but here are some
simple tips to follow:

Empty your car and lock them at night.

Light your house at dusk and dawn (the prime hours of the crimes)

Lock your home...every window, every door.

Arm your home alarm if you have one.

Don’t leave your car idling unattended, or worse with your
children inside.

Most importantly, If you see anything out of the ordinary
call the police (973-239-4100)

Have you seen that car parked on your street before? Call the
police.

Who’s that person in my neighbor’s yard? Call the police.

That car has been circling the neighborhood, do you recognize them? Call the police.