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Overcast Use your locks and lights
Rockville Centre police say they’re on alert after a rash of recent residential and commercial burglaries which may indicate that the “burglary season” has come early this year.
"These are crimes of opportunity," Police Commissioner Jack McKeon said, where burglars often enter through unlocked doors and unsecured windows and screens. The police department is urging residents to light outdoor areas, to lock their doors and windows at night and to activate their alarm systems, if they have them.
"Unfortunately, the holiday season is a prime time for home burglaries and thefts from vehicles," the commissioner said. "It may have come a few weeks early this year."
Police say burglary and other crimes remain at historic lows in the village. During the 1970s and 80s, the village averaged between 300 and 400 residential and commercial burglaries a year. In 1998 there were 76 and in 2008 there were 53. So far in 2009 burglaries are running slightly higher than last year.
Police say that more than 90 percent of the break-ins are to unlocked homes and vehicles.
"Much as we would like the crime rate to be zero, these people are out there," he said. "Our residents should take normal precautions."
To reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a burglary, the police recommend the following:
- If you have an alarm system, arm it at night.
- Lock your doors and windows at night, especially on the first floor.
- Illuminate areas around doors and windows.
- Do not leave gifts, money, wallets, pocketbooks and keys in plain sight in your home or in your vehicles.
- Lock your vehicles at all times, even when parked in your driveway.
- If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, immediately call the Rockville Centre Police at 911, preferably from your home phone.
Residents are reminded that 911 emergency calls from home phone lines go directly to the Rockville Centre Police Department. Cell phone calls to 911 go first to Nassau County before being routed to Rockville Centre.
