Return of warm weather signals a return to criminal activity as open doors and windows provide opportunity.
By: Scott Morgan
State Police are getting the word out about warm-weather thieves.
Detective James South of the Hightstown barracks of the State Police said his department has recently received about a half-dozen calls to investigate burglaries in and around Millstone. Detective South said it is the return of warm weather that signals a return to criminal activity, and he wants citizens to be aware that as doors and windows open through the warmer months, thefts increase.
The predominant theme with the recent burglaries, according to Detective South, seemed to be the theft of cellular phones from vehicles. Detective South added there have been "a few" residential burglary calls as well, though he did not elaborate on what was taken.
If this sounds familiar, it may be because of a rash of burglaries that occurred in the second half of 2001. Last year, between June and December, the Millstone-Upper Freehold area was plagued by a string of automotive and residential burglaries numbering nearly 80.
Detective South would not speculate whether the latest burglaries are related to last year’s thefts. Recently, it was reported the string of burglaries had almost entirely dried up, thanks in part to increased media coverage and public awareness, Detective South said.
It is public awareness that State Police are seeking now. Detective South said it is important for people to take precautions against thieves. The best precaution?
"Lock your doors, lock your doors, lock your doors," said Detective South.
He said people in such affluent areas as Millstone often believe they are immune from "city" problems, such as burglary. That attitude is wrong, Detective South said, adding that open doors, essentially, become an open invitation for thieves.
Also, he said, parents should be aware of their children.
"We all like to think our children are angels," he said. But the reality is, not all are, he said. He said parents should be aware of new possessions, such as cellular phones being carried by kids who previously did not have them.
The main tonic beyond locking doors, he said, is just using common sense. Pay attention, be alert and call the police if there is anything suspicious going on, Detective South said.
The State Police can be reached at (609) 448-0074.