Burglars Targeting Port Washington Homes, Police Say

Port Washington Police are warning residents of recent burglaries occurring in several local areas: Salem, the Park section, and Port Washington Estates.

Although authorities have added extra patrols to the targeted areas, they also want residents to remain vigilant.

If residents see something suspicious, such as seeing someone they don’t recognize on a neighbor’s property or someone suspicious on their block, they are encouraged to call 911.

Most of these home break-ins have occurred when it’s dark outside and mostly during the late afternoon to early evening hours.

These burglars typically enter the homes, which are usually unlit, through rear windows or by force.

The Port Washington Police District advises residents to check out the below burglary prevention tips to see if their homes are possible targets.

• A dark house is an unoccupied house. A house with no light on at dinner time tells burglars that you are not at home.
• Do not leave all your valuables in your bedroom. Burglars always check bedrooms first
• Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides cover for a burglar to work undetected.
• If you have an alarm system, put up signs that say you do. Do not use signs that hint at what type of equipment you system uses. Have your alarm serviced by a reputable technician.
• USE YOUR ALARM
• Make sure the exterior of your house is well-lit. Exterior lights are important -- especially near doors or in the rear of the house, where burglars do most of their work.
• Close and lock your windows. Most burglars won’t attempt to break a secured window for fear of attracting attention.
• Secure any sliding doors. Make sure the lock is in working order. A steel rod in the door channel is helpful. For additional security, install two or three screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of the door being lifted out of the track
• Make an itemized list of everything you own. Include brand name, model number, serial number, where and when purchased, and the items’ purchase price or estimated value. Attach receipts if you have them. Take photographs or videotape everything, and keep them in a safe place.
• If you are going away, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up all mail, newspapers and deliveries daily. Do not allow these items to accumulate. Ask this same neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone.
• Don’t let empty garbage pails sit curbside after trash collection days.
• Offer to help a neighbor with any of the above. Be a good neighbor. Watch out for each other.

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding these prevention tips, contact Deputy Chief Robert Del Muro - Commanding Officer of Patrol 516 883 0500 ext. 315 or P.O. John Bellini - Problem Oriented Policing Unit 516 883 0500 ext. 345.

From PWPD: “If you see something – Say Something. If you hear something – Say Something. Don’t wait, call 911 immediately. If you are using a cell phone, dial 883 0500. If you are unsure about whether to call, I encourage you to call.”