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An alert has been issued to Williston Park residents, warning to lock doors and windows overnight following a rash of burglaries that hit the area, prompting a village-wide public meeting.
The small village of approximately 7,000 residents has been plagued by a burglary spree that began on Memorial Day weekend. Since then, there has been multiple burglaries reported at various homes in the neighborhood, which are being tracked on Facebook by the community’s neighborhood watch.
“ Homeowners should be aware and take precautions to hopefully prevent this from happening to them,” the group posted earlier this month. “Leave lights on and notify neighbors if you are going to be away. Lock all doors and windows (especially windows on the first floor). Large shrubs in front of windows give potential burglars a hiding place. It is advisable to trim this type of bush below window height.”
In response to the break-ins, local police have beefed up their presence in the area and there has been an uptick in video doorbells and surveillance. The Nassau County Police Department has also been in the area for support.
“Let's light up the Park. Apparently, this thief likes hitting our houses as soon as it gets dark,” the watchdog site posted. “And the video camera footage detectives are looking it is too dark to get a good description. Williston Park, let's ALL leave our porch/front stoop lights on until this is over. Every little bit helps. Start tonight. Spread the word.”
A community meeting has been set for 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, where the mayor, county and local police are expected to provide updates on the burglary ring and how to keep homes safe.
One homeowner’s daughter described a purported burglar as a white man at approximately 5-foot-10 with a thin to average build. He was “relatively young in his mid-20s, based on how quickly he ran out of the backyard.”
“Keep the porch lights on and thanks to those who are putting their side and back lights on as well,” officials said. “Do not hesitate to call 911 if you see anything that doesn't look right. The police know what we are going through and want it to stop as much as we do. No call is a bad call. If you see something, say something.”
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