Home Security Inspections Offered by Union Police

UNION, NJ – A troubling trend has emerged across the nation, the state and here in Union as reports of burglaries rise, leaving homeowners and authorities on high alert.

The Union Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit, under the Community Policing Bureau, is focused on helping homeowners feel secure in their homes.  “We’ll come out and do a home security assessment, tell you where you’re most vulnerable to burglaries and what you can do to prevent that from happening,” said Officer Bob Honeymar, who, along with Officer Ricardo Santos, performs the home security inspections for residents.

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Union Deputy Chief Scott Breslow said the rash of burglaries is directly tied to the increase in theft of vehicles, particularly luxury vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi’s.  “Ideally, if possible, park your car in your garage.  At a minimum, be aware of who’s in your neighborhood, especially at night.”

Honeymar said weak or flimsy entry points provide easy access for burglars. He said officers recommend installing window locks on ground-level windows and Charlie bars on sliding glass doors.

Overgrown shrubbery and unkempt landscaping could provide hiding spots for burglars, said Honeymar.  He said police recommend residents keep trees and bushes trimmed to eliminate hiding spots and to maintain clear lines of sight around their property. He said police will also check the property for ladders, garbage cans, or other items that could be used by someone to climb up onto a roof or to a second floor window.

Honeymar said well-lit surroundings make it difficult for burglars to operate under the cover of darkness. He said police recommend the installation of outdoor lighting fixtures equipped with motion sensors around the perimeter of a property. He said where it is possible for homeowners, they should also install a doorbell security system and security cameras.

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When asked what homeowners can do now, Honeymar said, “lock your car doors, lock your house doors, lock your first floor windows.  It’s that simple.”  He also said to keep car fobs/keys out of sight.  Honeymar added that residents should ask a neighbor or friend to pick up their mail and newspapers if they are out of town.  “They can notify us at the police department also to let us know there will be no one in the home for a period of time,” he said.

“Be alert,” said Honeymar.  “You know who your neighbors are.  Talk to your neighbors. Keep your eyes open.”  He said there are several Neighborhood Watch programs in town designed to help residents keep an eye out for suspicious activities and report any concerns to police.   He said the Union Police Department is in the process of establishing additional programs around town.

“If you’re worried or if you see something you think is suspicious, call us,” added Breslow.  “We’d rather you called so we can check it out and be sure.”

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