Recently, there have been burglaries commonly known as home break-ins in the following areas: Salem, the Park section and Port Washington Estates. We believe they occur in the late afternoon to early evening hours, usually when it’s dark. The most common method of entry into the home is through the rear windows by force. Most of the homes have been dark, with no inside or outside lights on.
The Port Washington Police District has added extra patrol to these areas, but we need your help. If you see something suspicious, such as someone you don’t recognize on your neighbor’s property, call 911. If you see someone suspicious on your block, call 911.
I encourage you to look at the burglary prevention tips below and spend some time evaluating your home. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Deputy Chief Robert Del Muro, commanding officer of patrol, at 516-883-0500, ext. 315, or PO John Bellini, Problem Oriented Policing Unit at 516-883-0500, ext. 345.
• A dark house is an unoccupied house. A house with no light on at dinnertime 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 your 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.
Residents and police are partners in solving crime; we welcome the information provided by the communities we serve. 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 516-883-0500. If you are unsure about whether to call, I encourage you to call.
—Port Washington Police District Chief of Police James Salerno
