Burglary Safety Tips from East Brunswick Police

After several recent burglaries in the township, the East Brunswick Police Department is offering some advice and tips on how to keep your home safe.

“The community is the police department’s eyes and ears. Be mindful of not only your house and property but your neighborhood as well,” said Detective Sgt. Kevin Zebro in a press release. “If you see any suspicious activity, such as unknown vehicles parked in the neighborhood for extended periods of time, or suspicious people, such as people looking into yards or cars that don’t live there, contact the police department at 732-390-6900 or in an emergency 911. Be prepared to give the location and description of the suspicious activity and how many people are involved. If your house is being burglarized move to a safe location even if it’s a neighbor’s house and call 911 immediately. “

. In each incident, entry to the residences appeared to have been made through rear doors, police said.  .

At 10:27 a.m., East Brunswick Police responded to a residence on Pine Ridge Drive for a burglary in progress. The resident was asleep in her bedroom when she heard footsteps in the hallway and assumed that a family member had come home. She was startled, as was the intruder, when he kicked in her bedroom door and realized that someone was home, according to Detective Sgt. Kevin Zebro. The intruder fled the residence out the back door and through the backyard.  While investigating the burglary, officers found another residence on Pine Ridge Drive that had been burglarized.

To help make your home safer, here are a few suggestions from the EBPD.

1. Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three-inch screws. All windows should have window locks.

2. Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or a wooden dowel rod in the track and install vertical bolts. This will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.

3. Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.

4. Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Make your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, to help deter criminals.

5. Keep the perimeter of your home well lit. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders as well as highlight a house.

6. Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.

7. Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.

8. Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.

9. Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. Large and ornate hedges may be beautiful but they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.

10. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.