In Light of Recent Burglaries, Police Warn Residents to Lock Doors and Windows

Police are warning residents in Fanwood and Scotch Plains to lock their ground floor windows in light of recent burglaries in both communities.

Fanwood Police Lt. Richard Trigo said Thursday that there has been a wave of burglaries in the area in which a burglar enters a home through the ground floor windows.

Only one incident has happened in Fanwood thus far, but similar crimes have occurred in Scotch Plains, Middlesex, North Plainfield and Piscataway.

"This happened to us, and it's happened in several other towns," Trigo said. "We're working with the other towns now to look into suspects."

The burglary in Fanwood occurred sometime between 11:55 p.m., July 8, and 6 a.m., July 9. Trigo said the burglar entered the home on Helen Street by cutting the ground floor screen and then lifting the window.

The suspect stole an iPhone, Blackberry and another cell phone. He or she also found the keys to a car, and drove off with a 2005 Subaru.

The residents were at home and were sleeping at the time, Trigo said.

Police are currently investigating the crime and trying to determine whether it's linked to the other recent burglaries.

Scotch Plains police were not immediately available to comment on the burglary in that town.

Trigo advised residents in both communities to report any suspicious activity to the Fanwood Police at 908-322-5000.