Crime & Safety

Thieves Tampered With Alarm in Home Burglary, Cops Say

Police said they never received a signal from the home's alarm and video surveillance system.

Chatham Township Police said a Sandy Hill Road resident returned from vacation on Sunday, Oct. 7 to find his home had been burglarized.

Surveillance cameras captured four individuals on Oct. 6 forcing in the front door to the residence, police said.

Immediately after the thieves entered, the home's alarm and video surveillance system were disabled, and for that reason a signal was never relayed to the police department, according to police.

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At the time the home owner filed the police report, an undetermined amount of jewelry had been reported stolen, police said.

Based on video footage and methods employed by the burglars, the four individuals appear to be the same group that has been very active in the area, according to police.

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Anyone with information on this burglary is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at 973-377-6928.

Police issued safety tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglaries:

  • Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, use automatic timers to turn lamps on in the evening and off during the day.
  • Have adequate exterior lighting. Motion-sensitive lights are recommended where feasible.
  • Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers, dry cleaning, packages, notices or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
  • Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
  • Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.


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