Ridgewood Police Chief Speaks to Residents on Recent Burglaries During Council Meeting

Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward and Detective Lieutenant Lyons spoke about the recent burglaries plaguing the Village at the Village Council Meeting Wednesday after residents expressed concerns “over the lack of communication.”

Chief Ward began by giving statistics, saying there were 37 burglaries and 9 attempted burglaries in 2012, 48 burglaries and 5 attempted burglaries in 2013, 40 burglaries in 2014 and 5 residential burglaries and 2 attempted burglaries in 2015.

“We do take measures,” Chief Ward said. “We’ve been working with agencies. [But there’s] “a difference between leads and probable cause for an arrest.”

Ridgewood resident Bonita Shimpfky, who was there “on behalf of many residents,” asked the police whether they were close to nabbing the man who was caught on camera before burglarizing a home.

“We’ve done everything we can but can’t comment on specifics,” Chief Ward said, adding that they do have suspects and that more than one person is responsible for the burglaries.

Chief Ward also says that DNA taken at crime scenes can take up to a year to be returned since the crime was not violent, such as a murder or act of terrorism.

“We go on a waiting list,” he said.

However, Chief Ward did say that there have not been armed robberies in the area, saying “most don’t carry guns.”

“What we’ve seen in the region does not involve a weapon,” he said.

Chief Ward then offered advice to residents, noting that the police department does see an increase in burglaries around Christmas and during time changes when residents forget to reset timed lights.

He said residents can get cameras or an audible alarm and refrain from leaving newspaper and mail piled up, which gives the appearance that the home is empty. He also recommend neighbors form Neighborhood Watch Groups.

“Bottom line is if you want to stay safe, make sure your house looks lived in,” Chief Ward said.

Chief Ward also said children should not open the door for anyone they don’t know and can always call the police if they are worried.

To date, Ridgewood Police have responded to 244 burglar alarms and have arrived to the scene anywhere from under 30 seconds to 5 and a half minutes, according to Chief Ward. He also said residents should call their alarm companies to make sure there is not a gap between when the alarm goes off and when the police are notified.

Chief Ward offered one last piece of advice.

He urges residents to call only if someone’s actions are suspicious, not because of their race.

“We can’t stop somebody because they look like they don’t belong,” he said.

According to Chief Ward, that the department’s ultimate objective is 0 percent crime, though he understands that’s not a reality at the moment.