$6K in Jewelry Taken from Third Burglarized Home

A second Bellewood Drive resident reported a burglary following Fourth of July celebrations.

Police received the report just after midnight Thursday, and noted the resident reported about $6,000 worth of jewelry missing.

The report comes after two similar cases reported on July 4, as well as one in Basking Ridge.

Whenever such crimes occur, police urge residents to take precautions to avoid making it obvious when families are gone for vacations or holidays. Warren Police Capt. Robert Glen has said residents can help prevent the crimes by adjusting light timers to give the appearance of someone being home.

"It's very helpful to have a timer go off in one room and another turn on in a different room—it gives the appearance of someone moving around the house," he said following a burglary last year. "You want to give the appearance of someone being home—these guys do not want to bump into anyone during a break-in."

Also, Warren residents concerned about the security of their homes can request a home security survey by township police, who will visit the property and make recommendations aimed at deterring break-ins and theft.

"We alway say there's no such thing as 'crime prevention'—there's 'crime deterrance,'" Glen said. "Because if someone is going to commit a crime, they'll do it—you just don't want it to be against you."

Some residents may also want to start a neighborhood watch group, with which police also assist. Call Capt. Glen at 908-753-1419 for more information about the security surveys or neighborhood watch programs.

And be mindful of nearby work crews or scheduled deliveries to avoid giving criminals another way into your home, as happened last year when two men delivering flowers tied up a housekeeper to rob a Highmount Avenue property.

Here are additional tips to avoid being victimized.