DA: Protect Your Home From Burglars Who Target Funerals

In the wake of a series of burglaries at Westchester homes while families attended wakes and other funeral-related services, the County District Attorney’s Office offers tips for residents to protect themselves.

A Bronx woman faces 22 charges connected to those burglaries. Latonia Shelecia Stewart looked up obituaries online and targeted homes where she believed no one would be home because they were attending services, prosecutors alleged. When arrested, she had her baby in the car with her and an obit on her cellphone.

Law enforcement officials recommend that if the times of wakes and funeral services are made public, whether in a local publication or an a funeral home website:

• Do not leave your home unattended.
• Ask close friends or family members to “house sit” during service hours.
• Make it obvious someone is home: park a car in the driveway, turn on lights and sounds like the television or music.

“It’s enough of a tragedy that a family has lost a loved one, they shouldn’t have to have their home violated or lose their belongings as well,” said Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr.

SEE:

DA: Burglaries Targeted Homes Of Bereaved Spouses