Recent Burglary Spree Has Fair Lawn, N.J. Residents On Edge
FAIR LAWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in New Jersey were trying to get to the bottom of a string of burglaries on Friday night. There have been a dozen incidents at Bergen County homes in the last three weeks.
"I always felt safe, but I guess no one is safe anywhere if this is going on," Ruth D'argenio told CBS 2's Jessica Schneider.
In May a rash of break-ins bothered homes and businesses in Fair Lawn along the Route 208 corridor. Now, thieves have started to target homes. They have been grabbing anything they can find to sell or trade online, according to authorities.
"Mostly jewelry and electronics, cameras, game systems, and the games as well, computers, iPads, and laptops," Detective Sgt. Brian Metzler said.
The burglars knock at the front door to see if anybody is home. Once they believe the coast is clear they sneak around back and break in through a window, according to authorities.
Police urged residents to demonstrate caution.
"Lock the windows, lock the doors, When they're home make sure the doors are locked because when they ring the doorbell and you don't answer they may walk in right through the front door," Metzler said.
D'argenio said she has lived in Fair Lawn for decades and called the burglaries frightening.
"I'm here almost 30 years and I'm getting more and more frightened about the burglaries in Fair Lawn itself," she said.
The grandmother's business was the target of burglars several months ago.
"I'm just frazzled. I have my grandchildren who live with me. They're not allowed in front at all. I just feel violated," she told CBS 2's Schneider.
for many residents the feeling is mutual.
"Of course I'm nervous. I live in town so it makes me nervous. I have two dogs. Hopefully they'll bark and it'll be okay," said Lisa D'Elia.
Authorities have urged residents to keep an eye on their neighborhoods and to call police if they see anything suspicious.
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