Police Warn Residents of Increase in Burglaries

South Brunswick Police are urging residents to be aware of an increase in burglaries with Thanksgiving approaching.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office issued an advisory earlier this week about an increase in burglaries throughout the county recently. On Monday, two burglaries were reported in South Brunswick, however police said it's not clear if the burglaries are related to the upward trend in the county.

On Kayann Drive Monday afternoon, a resident came home to find his home had been burglarized. The suspects were able to gain entry through prying open the rear door of the home. The resident reported jewelry and electronics were taken in the burglary.

In the second incident, a resident of Virginia Street returned home at about 7 p.m. and heard someone in his house. The suspects fled from the home without taking anything, police said. The suspects were able to enter the home through a  rear window.

Police are warning residents that property crime typically increases during the holiday season. Anyone who sees something unusual or suspicious should call police at 911 or 732-329-4646. 

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.

Do your part to make the holidays a safe and happy time for everybody--except criminals.