Thanks to the NYPD’s 70 Precinct and the volunteers of Flatbush Shomrim, a burglar was apprehended early Wednesday morning.

Sources tell YWN that a Shomrim member on patrol around 3:00AM, witnessed a man climbing through the window of a private home on East 19th Street and Avenue J. The NYPD was contacted and an arrest was made. Additionally, the vehicle that the suspect was driving was recently stolen in Brooklyn. Detectives are investigating if the perpetrator is responsible for additional burglaries in the area.

The Commanding Officer of the 70 Precinct, Richard DiBlasio tells YWN that there will be extra patrols in the southern part of the Precinct, due to the fact that many people are away for the summer months. Despite the extra patrols, DiBlasio had the following security tips for your homes while away:

1. Leave lights on in your home – preferably on a timer. Most burglars look for a darkened residence to enter since this tells them that everyone is asleep or that the home is not occupied.

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

3. Lock all the doors to your house as well as your car doors.

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 or put a temporary stop on the deliveries.

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

7. Install alarms and security cameras.

8. Make sure your driveways and yards are well lit. They are a great deterrent.

If you are staying home for the summer:

Please 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.

Please keep an eye on your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to the Police Department as soon as possible. What you think may be a small insignificant piece of information, can help solve a crime. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING!

(Chaim Shapiro – YWN)