Burglars Targeting Willard Neighborhood, Detectives Say

Residents of Ridgewood's lovely Willard neighborhood should be on high alert – police say a troubling burglary pattern has emerged in the West Side neighborhood over the past month.

According to Detective Douglas Williams, burglars since mid-July have targeted unlocked and occupied homes as well as unlocked vehicles between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., specifically around North Monroe, Hillcrest, Mornigside and Bedford roads.

In each case, entry into the homes was "through an unlocked rear window or door with pocketbooks/wallets visible in plain view from outside the home," Williams said in a news release. Police reported only cash was taken, with wallets and purses returned to the original location to conceal the theft.

Thieves also broached unlocked garages in the area, making off with high-end golf clubs, golf balls and even a pricey telescope, police said.

"The Ridgewood Police Department requests the assistance of the public, specifically by reporting any previously unreported incidents as well as any future suspicious activity within your neighborhood," police said in a statement.

The department further requested residents close and lock all windows and doors to lessen the chances of thievery.

The burglars have not been confronted by homeowners in any of the incidents, according to Williams.

Patrol cars – both marked and unmarked – will continue to make rounds in the area.

Anyone with information regarding the thefts around Willard is urged to contact Detective Douglas Williams by phone at 201-251-4537, 201-615-3718 or by e-mail at dwilliams@ridgewoodnj.net.

Correction: The homes were occupied; burglars struck while homeowners were sleeping.