New Castle County Police are currently investigating two night time burglaries in the community of Meadowood.
(Newark, Del. -19711) Early this morning (July 25) at 2:00 a.m. and 3:25 a.m., County Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Cloverlea Rd and then the 100 block of Rockwood Rd, respectively, for two burglaries in progress. In both cases, the victims were awoken by a person in their residence. The suspect stole various items and fled when confronted; no further description is available at this time. No victims were injured during the incidents.
Detectives responded to the scene and have assumed the investigation.
If you observe suspicious activity, please call 9-1-1 immediately. If you have any information pertaining to these crimes, please call NCCPD at (302)573-2800.
New Castle County Police would like to remind the public of some tips to keep your home secure and make it less enticing for burglars:
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. Reflective numbers are even better.
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 securely locked.
Beware of ‘distraction-style’ burglaries. There are bands of burglars who are organized. One will distract you, typically with home improvement solicitations, while a partner burglarizes your home.
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
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