Police: Take Steps to Protect Home Security

The investigation seeking the two men who entered a Highmount Avenue home Aug. 5 and subdued a housekeeper is ongoing, according to Jack Bennett, of the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. And while such brazen incidents are rare, police say there are ways residents can help protect themselves against such crimes.

"Most home invasions are of residences that have been targeted for one reason or another," Warren Township Police Lt. Robert Glen said.  "The most important advice is not to open your door for someone that you do not know."

He said the department can help residents learn more with a Residential Security Survey, which are offered free of charge.

The department has also prepared a brochure on personal safety, which offers these tips:   

• Give the appearance that the residence is occupied.
• While away from home for extended periods of
  time, do not allow newspapers or mail to accumulate.
• Do not pin notes to your door.
• Close blinds, shades and curtains at night.
• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Have and use a chain guard on your door, but don’t rely on a door chain to protect you, install a dead bolt.
• Use timers to turn on lights at night, setting them to coincide with your daily habits.
• If you live alone, do not advertise it: use your initials on the mailbox, address labels and in the telephone directory instead of your full first name.
• Never hide keys under a mat or in the garden, etc.
• Don’t leave the phone off the hook, or use an answering machine if you are away from home for an extended period of time. Consider a “call forwarding” service.
• If you move to a new home or apartment, install new locks.
• Request I.D. from everyone before you open the door: maintenance, delivery and repairmen…even the police.

"We also offer Neighborhood Watch Programs," Lt. Glen said.  If any residents are interested in having a security survey of in forming a neighborhood watch, they can contact Sgt. Larry Frank, Crime Prevention Officer, at 908-753-1000.