By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
CRANBURY — Police are investigating a McKnight Court residence burglary that took place late Sunday night.
Access was gained into the home by forcing open a ground level window, according to police.
While detectives were processing the scene, patrols received a call at 1:25 a.m. for an activated residential burglar alarm on Stockton Drive. There was an attempt to gain entry into another residence but the actor(s) were apparently startled by the alarm and fled the area, according to police.
This is the third incident of this type in the Cranbury Greene development within the week.
Cranbury Police Chief Rickey Varga said, “We are very concerned with these incidents and we are using all our resources and working with other law enforcement agencies in an attempt to bring these incidents to their natural conclusion through arrests. Nighttime residential entries such as these are of serious concern. The likelihood of having a homeowner/suspect confrontation is greatly escalated during these hours, such a confrontation could result in tragic consequences.”
In the McKnight Court incident the homeowners were not at the residence at the time of the burglary. However, the homeowners were home and asleep during the Stockton Drive attempt.
A Stites Drive residence was entered by unknown actors through an open garage door and unlocked interior door sometime between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. June 9-10. A purse, which was near the doorway, was taken.
“Now that warmer summer months are upon us, it is imperative to remain vigilant and secure our homes,” Chief Varga said. “We often see a spike in vehicle burglaries, and crimes of opportunity during these warmer months.”
Police are urging residents to be extremely vigilant. Report any suspicious persons, vehicles or suspicious activity. Arm alarm systems when away or when in for the night. Check to make certain all windows and doors are locked. Check exterior lighting and motion sensor lights/bulbs daily if possible. If something is found amiss or appears to have been tampered with, notify police immediately.
The Cranbury Police Department provides free residential home security surveys/assessments. To schedule a survey, contact the Cranbury Township Police Detective Bureau at 609-395-0031.
