PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT CAR AND HOME THEFTS

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The holidays are approaching, which means that residents will be traveling out of town and packages are being delivered to many homes.  During this time leading up to the holidays, home burglaries increase, and typically occur during the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., when it is dark and no one is home.  Please be aware that Public Safety is the Village of Ridgewood’s #1 priority, so here are some helpful tips to be used to protect your home and vehicles from burglaries:

1. Lock doors and windows (house and cars).  Remove your fobs and valuables from your cars and bring them into your house.  The actors will move to other areas if they are unable to locate unlocked vehicles or find anything of value. 
2. Routinely check that home security/safety systems are working properly.
3. Promptly clear property/driveway of newspapers.
4. Promptly empty mailbox, clear delivered packages and register for delivery notifications.
5. DO NOT post real-time information on Facebook/Instagram/social media including:
   • Real-time photos and/or livestream from vacation, parties, concerts, theater, sports events, dining out and food images, etc. DOING SO PUBLICLY BROADCASTS THAT YOU’RE NOT HOME!
   • Real-time Information about work commute, work location, shopping, etc. 
6. CAUTION: do not accept Facebook/social media friend requests without confirming the authenticity of the individual making the request – LOOK, THINK & RESEARCH before accepting.
7. NOTE:  Many members of local Ridgewood Facebook groups are not from Ridgewood.
8. NEVER HESITATE: IMMEDIATELY report suspicious vehicles, persons, and activity to the RIDGEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT – remember for an emergency dial 911 and always have the RPD non-emergency number handy 201-652-3900.
9. If there is a car theft or home burglary in your neighborhood, and you have video of the actors or events, please contact the Ridgewood Detective Bureau at 201-251-4536.