Lakewood Police Chief Rob Lawson sent YWN the following home security tips, which can be used by homeowners anywhere – not only in Lakewood:

If you are leaving for the Yom Tov please be sure to:

1. Leave lights in your house on-preferably on a timer. Most burglars look for a darkened residence to enter since this tells them that everyone is asleep.

2. Lock all of your windows. Most burglars make entry through unlocked windows.

3. Lock all the doors to your house as well as the doors to any vehicles that remain at your residence.

4. Do not leave valuables in plain sight either in your vehicle or in your home.

5. Do not allow newspapers or mail to accumulate. Have a neighbor collect them for you.

6. Leave a contact number with a neighbor in case of an emergency.

If you are staying home for the Yom Tov please be sure to:

Insure that all your doors and windows are locked every night, especially if you have had anyone in the house such as a cleaning person or even a repairman.

Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to your local Police Department (Lakewood Police Dept number is 732-363-0200) as soon as possible.

Wishing everyone a Chag Kosher V’Sameach.

Rob Lawson, Chief of Police

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)