As Yom Tov is approaching, YWN has learned that five people have been arrested by the Lakewood PD on Thursday night – in three separate incidents.

One burglary took place at 206 Main Street (El Mercado II Convenience Store), and one suspect was arrested.

The second incident was a home invasion/robbery on Joda Drive. Lakewood PD successfully apprehended, and arrested two suspects.

The third incident was a burglary at “Jersey Gas”, on Madison Avenue. In this incident, the two suspects were also arrested by Lakewood police.

These arrests come on the heels of the arrests of three burglars on the night before Yom Tov (reported HERE on YWN April 17, 2008) – after the LPD received a tip from a vigilant member of the community. Lakewood Police Chief Rob Lawson had told YWN that those arrests were burglars who were responsible for a “significant number of burglaries”.

Although these arrests are good news for the Lakewood community, the Chief is concerned that after hearing this news, people will not be as vigilant anymore and he is urging everyone to keep taking the proper precautions to secure their homes. Since YWN posted the alert regarding the recent rash of burglaries (HERE), the Chief says he’s seen positive feedback regarding this issue, and that people have been more vigilant – and cops received many more tips.

Additionally, all those who are going away for Yom Tov should please follow these tips offered by the Lakewood PD:

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 your windows. Most burglars make entry through unlocked windows.

3: Lock all the doors to your house as well as your cars door.

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

5: Do not allow for 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 Yom Tov:

Please ensure 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 732-363-0200 as soon as possible.

Chief Lawson wishes the entire Lakewood Community a happy and healthy Yom Tov of Pesach!