Provided by the Fair Lawn Police Department:

We have seen an increase in daytime burglaries in and around Fair Lawn during the first few months of 2012.  Break ins have occurred to both vehicles and homes and because of that, the Fair Lawn Police urges the residents to take simple yet effective steps to reduce and prevent this type of crime.

VEHICLE SECURITY:

1. Never leave valuables out in the open in your parked car.  Either remove the items or place them in an area where they cannot be seen.
2. Always lock the car doors when left unattended, even in your own driveway.
3. Park in a well lit and open area whenever possible.

HOME SECURITY:

1. Use physical protection devices on the home by properly installing deadbolts on all doors, locking devices on all accessible windows and glass doors.
2. Consider installing an alarm system in the home
3. Follow strict security procedures in the home, such as locking all doors and windows when leaving, even if for s short time.
4. Doors should be locked even when someone is home.
5. Keep the garage locked when left unattended, even if you are home inside the house or doing something in the backyard.
6. Consider the use of timing devices for various lights, radios or televisions to give the appearance of the house being occupied.
7. Install outside lighting on timers and motion sensors to help eliminate dark areas around the home where a person could hide.
8. Remove all items from around the home that could be used to gain entrance to the house such as ladders, buckets, pails, tables, benches, chairs etc.
9. Trim back shrubbery and vegetation around the home to prevent someone from being seen by your neighbor or a passing patrol car.
10. NEVER hide a key to your house or car outside where it can be found; better to provide a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby relative.

Crime can happen any day to any one regardless of where they live in town, what they do for a living, or who they are.  These are just a few of the steps that one can take.  Being aware and prepared can help reduce that risk and deter those looking to make an easy score.

Security begins with by the installation of devices designed to prevent a crime, it is strengthened when we develop the security mindset and practice it in all aspects of our lives and ends with each of us looking out for the other.  Finally we must all remember to report all suspicious behavior to the police, when it occurs and not hours later.

If there are questions in reference to the above news release, media personnel can contact Sergeant Richard Schultz at the Fair Lawn Police Department at (201) 794-5365 or by e-mail at rschultz@fairlawnpd.com