The East Brunswick Police Department is alerting residents to an increase in residential burglaries that have occurred during the last several weeks.
According to police, the burglaries seem to be occurring during the daytime and early evening hours while residents may be at work. In these burglaries, the suspect or suspects enter the residence through an unsecured rear door or window, or sometimes force their way in by prying open the door or window.
“We’re asking that people be aware in their neighborhoods of suspicious people and vehicles,” Deputy Chief William Krause said. “Keep an eye out for anything that seems out of place, especially people knocking on their doors that are not expected.”
Police said the suspects will knock on a front door to see if the home is occupied. If someone is home, the suspect will say they are from a utility company, looking for a friend, or responding to an online ad for an item listed for sale. If they find no one is home, they will proceed to the rear of the residence and attempt to make entry.
“Even if [residents] think it’s legitimate, we’re asking that they call us and allow us to work it out,” Krause said.
Police are using every resource available to tackle the issue, he said, and are currently pursuing a number of different leads.
The affected areas are the neighborhoods near Summerhill Road and Old Stage Road, and the neighborhood by Ryders Lane near the North Brunswick border. Recent burglaries have also occurred on Parsons Road and Flagler Street.
Police are urging residents to lock all doors and turn on both interior and exterior lights at all times.
“If you’re leaving or going on vacation, stop the mail and the newspapers or have someone who can pick them up for you. Newspapers on the driveway are a ready sign for somebody who wants to break into your house that no one’s there.”
Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is urged to call the East Brunswick Police Department at 732-390- 6900.