Garden City Police Advise Residents On Ongoing Burglaries

GARDEN CITY, NY — The Garden City Police Department is warning residents about a string of burglaries from the North Shore that seem to be making their way into the village.

According to police, two residential burglaries on Nov. 11 fit the pattern of burglaries that have been happening on the North Shore. In the first incident, the robber first rang the doorbell. When there was no answer, they went around to the back of the house and entered through an ulocked door. They then stole numerous pieces of jewelry.

In the second burglary, police say the robber entered the home by breaking a back window, but fled when they found the house was occupied.

As part of this burglary pattern, police say the robbers check homes that appear to be unoccupied, usually between 5 and 9 p.m. Homes that have no lights or TVs on, at times when they would usually be on, are prime targets. In many of the burglaries, homeowners even just leave the house for a short time when they are robbed.

Because of the ongoing nature of the burglaries, Garden City Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson said that additional marked and unmarked patrol cars will be deployed throughout the village.

In addition, the police offered these tips to keep your home safe from burglars:

• If you have an alarm, use it at all times, even if you are leaving the residence for just a few minutes.
• Trim overgrown shrubbery and trees where someone would be able to conceal themselves.
• Check exterior lighting, this includes the back and sides of the home. Ensure they go on at dusk.
• Check windows and door locks; make sure they are in working order.
• Check your Ring camera or similar device when you receive a notification of activity near your home.
• Keep all doors and windows locked when you are home, in the back yard, or away, even for just a few minutes.
• Homeowners should consider additional locking devices specifically for sliding doors, as well as alarms.
• Move and secure items that could be used to facilitate entry through ground floor windows.
• Close your drapes, blinds and window treatments at night as a deterrent.
• Surveillance and alarm systems should be routinely checked to ensure proper operation.
• Consider a panic alarm or keeping a telephone near the bed.
• Leave an interior light on or use a timer. Leave a radio or television on when out of the house.
• Discontinue deliveries and mail while away on business or vacation.
• Ensure deliveries to your residence are removed promptly by a family member, friend, or neighbor.
• Inventory, photograph and have an appraisal conducted on valuable items.
• When approaching or leaving your home, be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Varying your routine can be an additional deterrent.
• Do not enter your residence if you think someone may be inside; notify the police immediately.
• If you hear or see someone in your home, exit if you can and discretely call the police right away.
• Do not try to confront the intruder.
• If a burglar does confront you, remain calm; comply with the burglars' instructions. Remember your life is more valuable than your property. Try to memorize a description of the subject. When the subject leaves, call the police immediately by dialing 911.