Residents Warned of Increase in Burglaries as Holidays Approach

With Thanksgiving on Thursday bringing the official start to the holiday season, residents are urged to use extra precaution and safeguard their homes over the coming weeks.

On Monday, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office issued an alert reporting a spike in residential and vehicle burglaries over the last month. East Brunswick was not immune to this problem, as there was a rash of break-ins throughout the township earlier this month.

East Brunswick Police said the burglaries predominantly occurred during the daytime and early evening hours while many residents were at work. The areas that were hit included the neighborhoods near Summerhill Road and Old Stage Road (Clearview, Stephens and Dobson) and neighborhoods near Ryder’s Lane by the North Brunswick border (Ryders, Corona, Perry, Allwood, Bruning and Jean), police said. There were also burglaries reported on Parsons Road and Flagler Street. 

The common methods used in the break-ins involved one or more suspects knocking on a front door to see if anyone was home. If the door was answered, the suspect would then claim to be from a utility company, looking for a friend, or would say they saw an ad for an item being sold, according to police. 

On Monday in neighboring South Brunswick, police reported two burglaries in the township, however authorities said it's not clear if those burglaries are related to the recent incidents in nearby towns.

East Brunswick Police are asking residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious people or vehicles they may see in their area by calling 732-390-6900.

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office

Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season.

If You're Traveling

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.
• Be careful posting vacations on social media

If You're Out for the Evening

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.
• Don't display gift where they can be seen from outside.

If You're Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packaages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door, Beware

Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know an like instead.

Last but not least, don't let holiday stress get the best of your holiday spirit. Make time to get together with family, friends, and neighbors. And think about reaching out in the spirit of the season and helping someone who's less fortunate or lonely.