Burglary Committed When Owner Was Home, Police Offer Security Tips

NEW CASTLE, NY — A burglary on Old Lyme Road was all the more concerning because there was someone at home at the time.

The New Castle Police Department sent out an alert on Thursday about a burglary that had taken place on Monday, around 11:30 p.m. The incident took place on Old Lyme Road, when the home "was entered without the owner's permission while they were home," police said.

New Castle police said that while they understood such an incident would be very concerning and upsetting, they believe this was an isolated incident.

The burglary is being investigated by the NCPD Detective Division. If anyone has details about this incident, they are asked to contact New Castle police at (914) 238-4422, or submit an anonymous tip by texting 888-777, and start the message with TIPNC911.

Police are taking this opportunity to share some burglary prevention tips and a checklist that residents can use to help keep their homes secure.

Home Security Tips From NCPD:

1. Do what you can to make your home less inviting to thieves. If it looks difficult to enter, chances are they will try somewhere else.
2. Place sufficient lighting in the front/side/back of your home and garage.
3. Install security cameras such as Ring, Nest, Blink, etc.
4. Ensure your home security system is properly working and up to date. Turn them on when you are away from home.
5. Use deadbolt locks as secondary locks on all doors. Ensure you have 2 1/2 – 3-inch screws in the door frame strike plate to reinforce deadbolt security.
6. Fortify your windows and sliding glass doors with secondary locks that fit securely in windows. Lock the door that leads into the house from the garage.
7. Get to know your neighbors. You are more apt to look out for each other's homes and property if you know each other.
8. Trim all landscaping below windows to avoid concealment areas.
9. Do not discuss planned vacations or trips on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
10. Make sure your address is visible from the street so emergency personnel can quickly respond.
11. Don’t let mail, packages, and newspapers pile up. Arrange for a friend or neighbor to collect these items in your absence.

Police added that when New Castle residents are going to be away from their homes, they can complete a Vacant House Check and return it to NCPD headquarters.