RW Homeowner Spooks Burglar

A resident on Wyndemere Avenue arrived home Tuesday night to find an unwelcomed guest, a burglar. 

According to Captain Jacqueline Luthcke, the homeowner came home and thought someone was in her house. The suspect took off when she got there, Luthcke said. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m.

The homeowner is still compiling a list to determine what valuables were taken, Luthcke said. Patrol, detectives, a County K-9 unit and the Sheriff's Department investigated. No suspect has been located.

"It's way too early to tell if this is connected to any of the others," Luthcke said of reported burglaries over the past few months. , most centralized around the area near Route 17 and the Saddle River Duck Pond.

"Keep your eyes open on your neighbors homes. If you see cars in the driveway that don't belong or people hanging out in the area that don't belong, call 9-1-1," Luthcke urged residents. "If you get home and think someone has been in your house, call 9-1-1 and do not enter your house."

Police say although they're out patrolling, residents need to do their part as well.

"We need neighbors that look out the windows like they used to," Luthcke said. "We need neighbors to be a bit more nosey sometimes."

Police asked those with any information regarding the burglary should reach out to detectives.

Various tips on how to prevent burglaries are up on the RPD's website. They're included below:

• Have sturdy dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors – and use them.
• Trim shrubbery back to avoid giving burglars cover, and trim tree branches so there is no access to upper windows.
• Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.
• Keep porches, entrances, and driveways well lit – consider installing automatic lights that turn on at specific times or when there is movement in the area.
• Keep garages and sheds closed and locked when not in use – they offer excellent cover for a burglar attempting to break into a house.
• Store tools and ladders securely out of the way when not in use.
• Never carry identification tags on your keys.
• Do not hide “spare house keys” outside.
• Keep daily routines confidential and vary them when possible.
• Do not put valuables where they are visible from a door or window of your home.
• Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone – offer to make the call for them.
• Put lights and television and/or stereo on timers (not just when you are away on vacation).
• Make sure your exterior lights are not on during day light hours. (remember to adjust timers with seasonal day light changes).
• Do not let newspapers build up on your driveway and/or property - have a trusted neighbor retrieve your newspapers and mail.
• Do not let mail build up and/or over flow your mail box.