Haddonfield Police Chief John Banning and Director of Public Safety Ed Borden are reminding residents of same basic, common sense steps to discourage burglars and to help police apprehend perpetrators. The police have recorded an increase in burglary activity in recent months. Many of the burglarized homes were entered when force was used to pry windows open and gain entry. Most of the burglaries have taken place during daytime hours with jewelry, cash and electronics being the primary items taken. At this time, police have some leads, but are not limiting the scope of possible suspects to any one group or individual. The police are also not excluding any part of town as a possible target. The department has also directed its officers on patrol to prioritize burglary prevention.
You can protect yourself and help the police department in several ways. Minimize your exposure to a burglary — never leave windows and doors to your home or car unlocked. Consider using a safe to store valuable jewelry and precious metals. Call the police if you see suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood, including people soliciting door to door, or asking for money. Help protect your neighbors by keeping watch on nearby homes. Note anything unusual and call the police immediately. Be a good witness. Car descriptions can be helpful, but even part of the license plate number, along with a description is better.
In the unfortunate event you become a victim, good record keeping is extremely important. Maintain accurate descriptions and photos of valuable jewelry, as well as serial numbers for electronics. Having this information prepared in advance will expedite the subsequent police investigation.
Timely communication between the police and the residents we serve is vital. Do not discount anything you see or assume someone else will call the police. Haddonfield Police operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached at 429–3000. In an emergency call 911. Below is a list with suggestions on how to help prevent a home burglary.
• Invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors and windows. This includes on all sliding glass doors as well. Make it not only difficult, but also time consuming for a burglar to gain entry.
• Whenever you go outside, lock the door and take the key with you, even if you are just stepping next door or out mowing the back yard.
• Don’t put valuables where they can be seen from the window, especially items that can be easily carried.
• Be sure your garage door or patio can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are away; an empty garage broadcasts your absence.
• When you aren’t home, use a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals as though your home was still occupied. If you are out for a short period of time, consider leaving the television, or radio on and the volume turned up.
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash or really valuable jewelry around the house.
• If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don’t invite them in, call police.
• Don’t hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.
• Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves.
• Invest in a good security system and use it, along with motion sensor lights installed out of reach
• Don’t leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to break in your home safely locked away in a garage or shed.
• Always double check doors at night and lock all windows.
If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
• Do not enter. The perpetrator may still be inside.
• Use a neighbor’s phone or cell phone to call police (911).
• Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
• Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.
Once again, be a good neighbor. If you observe suspicious or unusual activity, report it immediately to the Haddonfield Police Department at 429–3000. In an emergency dial 911.
