Police Advise Residents to be Watchful in Response to Recent Rash of Burglaries
Residents in the South End of White Plains have been advised by the Public Safety Department to be alert to anything in their neighborhood that seems suspicious.
According to Commissioner David Chong, three recent break-ins – two taking place on Feb. 24 on Hillair Circle are being investigated and detectives have leads. The homes were unoccupied at the time.
“The thieves or thief is going in through glass patio doors in the rear of the houses out of view from the street,” Chong said in an email Thursday. “The main bedrooms are targeted and it seems whatever items they can stick in their pockets are being stolen.” The Police Department has increased both uniform and plainclothes officers in the area. “They will be doing random checkpoints and stopping anyone that seems suspicious,” Chong said.
“We ask that if people have alarms, to set them, and keep on a radio or something that would appear to make the thief think the house is occupied. A timer with lights in different rooms and radio is a good choice,” Chong further advised.
Residents are asked to call Police right away, if they see a person or car they don’t recognize, anything out of the ordinary, and to look out for their neighbors.
“If you intend to go on vacation or away for an extended period of time, notify us,” Chong said. “The Department offers house checks on locations when people go on vacation.”
“If you have valuables, hide them in a secure place, most of these criminals are in and out in a matter of minutes. They don’t like to search for the valuables, they usually hit the bedrooms and take what’s in sight,” Chong added.
A uniformed and non-uniformed presence has been increased in the area since these incidents were reported. If anyone has any information that may assist investigators, call 422-6200 or 422-6111.
