By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
While there has been a significant increase in the number of reported burglaries in Lawrence Township in the past 12 months from 93 break-ins during 2010 to 131 in 2011 there are steps that residents can take to prevent break-ins and also help solve the crimes, according to the Lawrence Township Police Department.
One of the chief precautions that residents can take is to keep the doors and windows locked whether or not someone is at home, said police Lt. Charles B. Edgar. Ground floor windows should never be left open when no one is at home or at night, after everyone goes to bed. They are easier to climb through than second-floor windows.
A ground-floor window or second-floor window can be accessed, however, if a ladder is left outside or a shed or storage container is kept close to the house. That’s why ladders should be kept inside the garage, and sheds or storage containers should be located away from the house.
Shrubs and bushes should be trimmed below the height of the window, because they provide cover for a would-be burglar. If the burglar can hide in the bushes, it gives him time to force open the window without being seen.
For an entry door, a solid core or metal door is best. A quality deadbolt lock, with a one-inch-long bolt, is preferable. For sliding glass doors, a wooden dowel or stick should be put in the tracks to prevent or limit movement of the door.
If the house has a burglar alarm system, set it when leaving the house. The contact list should be kept up-to-date with the alarm company, in case a friend or family member who has a key to the house needs to be contacted if the alarm goes off. Putting signs or stickers around the house that indicates it has an alarm system might deter a burglar.
A house that is lighted at night gives the impression that the house is occupied. A dark home on a nightly basis indicates to a burglar that the owner is away, so putting lights on a timer is an inexpensive way to make it appear that the house is occupied. The front porch light also should be kept on at night.
If the house is going to be empty for a while, stop the delivery of newspapers and mail. Letting newspapers pile up in the driveway or on the sidewalk gives the appearance that no one is home, because no one is collecting them.
It’s also important to report anything suspicious, Lt. Edgar said.
”If you see anyone going behind the house or between two houses, try to get as detailed a description as possible (of the person),” he said. “Call the Police Department immediately, regardless of the hour of the day or night. Vigilant citizens who keep their eye out on their neighborhood will assist the operation we already have in place to solve the burglaries.”
Putting the family’s jewelry and other small, valuable items in a safe deposit box is encouraged, Lt. Edgar said. In many of the burglaries, jewelry and small electronic items, such as laptop computers and cell phones, have been reported missing.
According to the FBI, a burglary occurs about every 15 seconds in the United States, added police Lt. Thomas Ritter. The majority of burglaries occur during the day, when people are either at work or at school. July and August show the highest number of burglaries, he added.
Burglaries are most often committed by men under 25 years old, who are looking for items that are small, expensive and that can be easily sold for cash, Lt. Ritter said. About 70 percent of burglars force their way into a house, but burglars prefer to gain access through unlocked windows and doors, he said.
Although burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process, he said. Most burglars choose a house that is empty and that has the easiest access route, the greatest amount of cover and an easy escape route, he said.
”Following the tips (keeping doors and windows locked, turning on the lights and making the house appear occupied) will greatly decrease your chances of becoming a victim of a burglary,” Lt. Ritter said.

