Protecting Your Home from Burglary

During the summer months, burglaries tend to increase in the village, and the Rockville Centre Police Department is trying its best to keep residents and their homes safe.

There are several reasons for the increase, and Commissioner Charles Gennario said residents need to take precautions. "Air conditioners mask noises by potential intruders, windows are left open and people are away on vacation," he said about summer burglaries.

He added that mounted air conditioners can be removed and burglars can enter through the window, so make sure to secure AC units. Locked windows and doors are one of the biggest deterrents to burglars. 

"Keeping the interior and exterior of your homes lit is helpful," he said. "If you light up the interior of your home, make sure that nothing of value is exposed."

Women tend to leave their pocketbooks on the counter when they come home, and burglars will "shop around" before entering, Gennario said. "It's important not to leave items in open view," he warned. "Burglars will just reach into an open window or use an object, such as a rake or a stick, to lift their prize."

"Secure your valuables with you when you go to sleep," he added. "Don't leave your laptop computers or pocketbooks where they may be observed from the outside. Bring them to the second floor or your bedroom."

Motion detectors are also a huge deterrent. 

"If police are passing in a patrol car and see a motion detector go off, they will investigate why it was activated,"  Gennario said. "Many residents leave keys to their homes and autos in their cars overnight. That just invites trouble."

Lastly, in regards to burglars, the commissioner advises residents to call the police if they see something suspicious.  "It is our job to determine if there is criminal activity or explainable behavior going on," he said. "Better to be safe than sorry."