Police chief gives tips to avoid burglary

NEW CANAAN — After a residential burglary last week, the town’s police chief offered residents tips on how to outsmart potential burglars and keep their homes protected.

Police responded to a reported residential burglary at an unoccupied Butler Lane home around 9 p.m. Friday, according to Chief Leon Krolikowski. The chief said a rear glass door was broken to get inside the home. He said a list of items stolen during the burglary was not immediately available as it is still being compiled.

“Most burglars are not master criminals,” Krolikowski said. “They’re usually looking for an easy opportunity to get into a house without being seen. Burglars love it when you make their job easier for them.”

The chief urged residents to be wary of unknown visitors, urging them to always confirm the identity of visitors before allowing them inside. Unsolicited offers to perform work — chimney repairs, driveway fixes and more — are often scams to commit a crime, Krolikowski said.

Residents should get to know their neighbors, watch out for them and keep an eye on each other’s property while the other is away on a trip.

The chief also urged residents not to leave any clues behind when going on vacation. Krolikowski encouraged residents to temporarily suspend newspaper deliveries, have someone collect mail or have it held at the post office. He urged residents to be careful of what they post on social media as burglars will monitor these sites to see if someone is away.

To ensure burglars don’t have a place to “hide,” Krolikowski said residents should keep bushes and trees trimmed away from the front of the home, especially near doors and windows and along pathways.

At night, Krolikowski said, residents should keep the perimeter of their home well lit. Low-energy lights that switches on and off by sensors is a cost-effective way to deter would-be burglars, Krolikowski said. Security or video camera systems are also a good investment, the chief said.

The chief said keys to a residence or car should never be left somewhere a burglar could find them. Keys put under a doormat, flower pot, in a mailbox or other places are not secure, Krolikowski said.

He said all residents should make sure they lock their doors and windows when they leave home, even for a brief period of time. And whether leaving the house for the day or staying in for the night, the chief said to always activate the alarm system.