Home Burglary Reported in Bernardsville

A Charlotte Hill Drive home was burglarized last week, Bernardsville Police Chief Kevin Valentine said Monday.

According to a news release from the chief, forced entry was gained into the residence sometime between 7 and 10:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Several items were reported stolen, Valentine said. Valentine added that no one was home at the time of the burglary. He declined to give further details on the items reported to have been taken. 

Bernardsville Police continued to conduct an ongoing investigation as of Monday, the release said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bernardsville Police Department at 908-766-0037.

Valentine reminded residents that “home burglaries are crimes of opportunity.”  

Valentine said the police department urges homeowners to take precautions and secure their homes and valuables.  

"Actions such as making your home look occupied, leaving lights on at night, parking a vehicle in the driveway and taking in the mail and trash cans can go a long way to convince a would-be burglar to move on," Valentine said.

Standard precautions to take to discourage burglars

Locking doors and windows, installing solid dead-bolt locks on doors, trimming shrubs and trees near doors and windows and properly using security and alarm systems can reduce the risk for burglary, he said. 

Residents should ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on their house when not there. The Bernardsville police ask that borough residents notify the police department when they will be absent for a vacation.

The chief also asked residents to be aware of unfamiliar vehicles parked on a street, unknown people walking in the area, a suspicious phone call or knock at the door, and strange vehicles entering their driveway.

Suspicious activity needs to be reported to police, he said.

"Provide descriptions of vehicles and persons of concern, the number of vehicle occupants, license plates and the direction of travel. Reporting these incidents will cause police to investigate the source of your concern and possibly detect a crime in progress," according to Valentine.

Burglaries in nearby communities in northern Somerset

There have been a number of other burglaries and car break-ins reported in nearby communities in recent months. A little more than a week ago, a home in Warren Township was burglarized, and about $6,200 worth of jewelry reported stolen.

On the same Sunday, Sept. 22, jewelry and cash were reported stolen some time on Sunday from The Hills section of Basking Ridge, Bernards Townshp police said.