Burglary Alert – Northern New Castle County

Between November 12, 2012 and November 18, 2012, there have been 20 burglaries or attempted burglaries in Northern New Castle County in the communities of Carrcroft, Edenridge, Edenridge II, Sharpley, Talley Hill, Bellevue Manor, Claymont Terrace, Naamans Apartments, Ramblewood, Whitney Garden Apartments, Bellefonte, Bellevue Hills, Gordon Heights, Lindamere, Riverside Gardens and Woodside Court.

The majority of these incidents are occurring during the day while residents are at work and school, however, a few have occurred during the night time hours.  Residents are being reminded to secure all your windows and doors (including sliding glass and garage doors).

The police ask that anyone with information regarding suspicious persons or vehicles in the area to immediately contact the New Castle County Police at 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.  Anonymous tips may also be sent by text message to the New Castle County Police by texting the key word NCCPD followed by your tip to 847411. Additional burglary prevention information, as well as a link to submit tips, is available on our web site, www.nccpd.com.

Remember these burglary prevention tips for your home:

Protect Your Home’s Exterior

• CLOSE AND LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS.  Use deadbolts with at least a one inch throw.  Window screens do not stop a burglar.
• Make sure all first floor window air conditioning units cannot be easily removed.
• Display your house number in plain view.
• Install lighting at all entrances, including decks, porches, sheds and garages.
• Trim back any overgrown trees and shrubs from window ledges. Overgrown landscaping provides burglars with a place to hide.
• Neighbors, passing motorists and police officers should be able to see your windows and doors. Close your blinds at night.
• Do not leave ladders in your yard. Be sure to secure them in your garage or shed.
• Reinforce sliding glass doors with slide bolt through the frame and a block in the track.
• Do not hide keys outside your home.
• Do not leave your garage door openers inside your vehicle.  Lock interior garage doors.
• Alternate the location/direction of your parked vehicle (s) to avoid predictability

Protect Your Home’s Interior

• Install dead bolt locks on all entrance and exit doors and make sure you use them every time you leave the residence. Many burglaries occur when a homeowner leaves for only a short time.  If you leave it—lock it!
• Install window locks. Always make sure ground floor windows are secure. There are bands of burglars who are organized.  One will distract you while a partner climbs through an unlocked window
• Install a “Door Viewer” or “Peep Hole” so you can see who is knocking at the door. If you don’t know who it is, do not open it.
• Do not leave information on your social networking sites or voice mail detailing your travel plans.
• Use timers on your lights to give the appearance that someone is home. Consider leaving a radio or television on.
• Cut up, fold or recycle boxes from recent expensive purchases instead of leaving them curbside.
• Do not leave your garage door open when outside doing yard work or other chores.

For more burglary prevention information, please contact the New Castle County Police Community Services Unit – (302) 395-8050