Full Notification

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, Chief of Detectives John J. Kuczynski, Tewksbury Township Police Chief Thomas Holmes, Holland Township Police Chief John Harris, and Readington Township Police Chief Sebastian Donaruma are announcing that police are investigating multiple burglaries that occurred in Hunterdon County over the last several weeks.

According to Prosecutor Kearns, “A home on Old Turnpike Road in Tewksbury Township was broken into on June 20th. Jewelry and cash was taken. The New Jersey State Police had a residential burglary in Bloomsbury on June 26th. On July 9th, there was an attempted break-in to a Church Street home in High Bridge. Readington Police investigated a burglary to a home on July 18th. A residence on Mt. Joy Road in Holland Township was broken into on July 22nd where a handgun, ammo, and prescription medication was stolen. Then Tewksbury had two burglaries on July 23rd. Jewelry was taken from both homes. Additionally, Washington Township in Morris County is investigating a burglary near the Califon border on or around June 1st where guns were taken.”

Prosecutor Kearns added, “Oftentimes, the common denominator between burglaries and the suspects is addictive narcotic drugs. Basically, there is a link between stealing and supporting a drug habit. Stolen items often get pawned for cash to buy drugs.”

According to Prosecutor Kearns, “We believe that the suspects may be ringing the doorbell at the homes prior to breaking in. Residents should be extra vigilant when their doorbell rings. Especially if the person at the door has an excuse for being at the residence, whether it be looking for directions or just saying they must have the wrong house. A quick call to 9-1-1 before answering the door may give patrol units a few extra moments of response time needed to intercept these suspects.”

While the investigations into these crimes continue, the Prosecutor asks all of our county residents to remain vigilant and report to police any persons or vehicles that appear to be unfamiliar in their neighborhoods. The Prosecutor reported that vigilant neighbors have been responsible for multiple arrests in the past.

If anyone has any information regarding the above mentioned crimes or any crime please call your local police department or the Major Crimes Unit of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s office at 908-788-1129.

Below are some crime prevention tips for having a safe summer.

HOME SAFETY TIPS:
• Be aware of what’s happening in the neighborhood. Lock your doors, including the garage door. Unlocked doors are open invitations to intruders.
• Ask a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor to keep a watchful eye on your home or have your mail held at the local post office until your return.
• Put lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home.
• Don’t post on social media that you are leaving town, and wait to post photos after you return from your trip.

VACATION TIPS:
• Lock your hotel room and remember not to give out your room number or invite strangers into your hotel room.
• Be friendly but be vigilant. Watch for and report any suspicious behavior.
• Plan your route – stay within well-traveled routes and walk in groups. There’s safety in numbers.
• Keep your belongings secure - Purses should be securely closed, backpacks zipped, and wallets kept in your front pocket. When dining in restaurants do not hang your purse or backpack on the back of your chair.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:
• Be proactive – make a backup plan in case the group gets separated during a family outing and have a scheduled meeting place and time.
• If your child or teen will be alone a significant amount of time, have him/her check in with you if they plan to leave the house and when they arrive back home.
• Monitor Internet and social media activity to establish children and teens are visiting appropriate sites and following guidelines.

CAR SAFETY TIPS:
• Always lock your doors and roll up your windows when you leave your car.
• Do not leave valuables in the car. If you must leave prized possessions in your vehicle keep them out of sight or hidden in the trunk.
• Before you get into your car, check the backseat and around the car. Lock your doors once inside the car.

For more crime prevention tips go to http://www.ncpc.org/

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-321-0010 or by going to www.crimestoppershunterdon.com, or text messaging “HCTIPS” plus your tip message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters can also download the free mobile app “Tipsubmit” and select Hunterdon County to submit anonymous tips via text messaging. All tips are anonymous and kept confidential.

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For press releases visit our website at: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/prosecutor/press.htm