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To counter the recent increase in break-ins, the department has deployed an enhanced patrol of both uniformed and undercover officers in the affected areas. The police also will continue using a computerized license plate reader to provide information about vehicles traveling through the area.
Over the weekend, houses on Greenacres Avenue, Carthage Road and Brite Avenue were entered through the rear doors. Master bedrooms were ransacked, and jewelry was taken from boxes in dressers.
The increased patrol allowed officers to respond Friday to a burglar alarm that activated on Carthage Road within 43 seconds of receiving the call from the alarm company. Altizio said the quick response likely interrupted the burglary and diminished the loss to the homeowners, as a safe that the burglars had attempted to remove remained in the residence.
Altizio emphasized that the Police Department thoroughly investigates every burglary, and they can be tricky crimes to investigate because of a lack of physical evidence and witnesses.
“Our investigations will continue for extended periods of time, and involve interaction with multiple law enforcement agencies and investigative resources,” he said. “We utilize all of the resources available to us as part of our investigations.”
Police think the break-ins are likely the work of multiple burglars or groups. The department has identified patterns within the crimes, and has deployed its officers accordingly. Many times, homes have been entered through a back or side door, and master bedrooms were rummaged for jewelry and other valuables.
Altizio said many of the burglaries have been crimes of opportunity, and no force was used as the burglars entered through unlocked doors.
“Despite the enhanced police presence, our officers cannot be in all areas at all times,” he said. “We are strongly encouraging residents to lock doors and windows, and activate alarm systems if you have them. The more difficult your home is to enter, the more noise that will be made in doing so, and the risk of triggering an alarm in the process are factors that will make your home less likely to be targeted.”
Residents are encouraged to keep a watchful eye on their neighborhoods. People should report suspicious activities or persons immediately by calling 914-722-1200 or 911 for emergencies. The department is also asking residents with video surveillance systems to review tapes from Friday and Saturday for suspicious activities around their homes.
“We encourage people to report any observations immediately so the police officers can investigate the situation,” Altizio said. “There is no better deterrent than a neighborhood full of alert residents reporting suspicious activities.”
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