According to a notification to residents from the Highland Park Borough Police Department, the Borough of Highland Park has experienced an increase in residential burglaries over the past several weeks. The Highland Park Police Department’s Detective Bureau is actively investigating each incident. The burglaries have been throughout the borough and are not concentrated in any one area of the community. All neighbors in the vicinity of the burglarized homes have been notified.
The police ask all residents to call 911 immediately, if a resident sees something suspicious. Furthermore, if a resident suspects that his/her residence has been burglarized, the resident should refrain from entering the house and avoid touching anything in or around the house.
If anyone has information about these incidents or possible related incidents, please contact the Highland Park Police Department Detective Bureau at 732-572-3800. Information reported may remain confidential and anonymous.
On the Highland Park website, the administration provides the following generic information to guard against auto and home thefts.
“Although Highland Park is a safe community with a low crime rate we are sometimes impacted by crimes that affect other communities throughout the state. We have had a recent increase in thefts from unlocked motor vehicles. A few simple measures can be taken to avoid being a victim.
- Lock the doors and windows of the vehicle. Don’t make it easy for a burglar to steal your property.
- Remove any valuables from your vehicle. Remove your GPS, I-Pod, cell phone, packages and purse. If valuable items aren’t visible, the burglar has no need to enter your vehicle.
- Remove the detachable face of the car stereo if the stereo comes equipped with that safety device.
- Park in lighted areas if possible.
- Never leave keys in a vehicle. Turn off the vehicle and take them with you.
- Call 911 if you see anyone tampering with an automobile. Be a good witness and give as much detailed information as you can regarding the suspect.
- Report all motor vehicle burglary offenses to the Highland Park Police Department.
Additionally, residential burglaries tend to increase during the summer months. By following the tips offered below you can reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim.
- Make your home look occupied and make it difficult to break into.
- Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if you leave for a short time, lock your doors.
- Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
- Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them in regularly.