Scarsdale Police Beefing Up Patrols In Wake Of Break-Ins

Scarsdale Police are increasing patrols and continuing to investigate a rash of recent home break-ins. Just last week, there were four burglaries in the village.

SPD are adding "enhanced patrol presence of both uniformed and undercover officers in the affected areas," Scarsdale Police Lt. Det. Thomas Altizio told Patch. 

However, home break-ins are often difficult "crimes to investigate because there is usually a lack of physical evidence and witnesses," Altizio told Patch. "These investigations will continue for extended periods of time, and involve interaction with multiple law enforcement agencies and investigative resources. We utilize all of the resources available to us as a part of our investigations."

Like us on Facebook  |  Follow us on Twitter  |  Sign up for our newsletter

Currently, the police department suspects that there are more than one person responsible for the crimes. 

"Our investigations into these recent burglaries indicates that this is more than likely the work of more than one individual or group," he said. "We have already identified certain patterns within these occurrences, and had already deployed our personnel in the field accordingly."

Thanks to the enhanced, targeted patrols, SPD was on the scene of the last week's Carthage Road break-in within 43 seconds of getting the call from the security alarm company. "That speedy response most likely interrupted the perpetrators, and lessened the actual loss to the homeowner," Altizio said.

Scarsdale Police want all residents to be cautious and on alert. Folks need to lock all doors and windows and activate their security alarm systems. "Despite this enhanced police presence, our officers cannot be in all the areas at all times," the police lieutenant said. 

In many of the recent break-ins, the thief entered through an unlocked door. "The more difficult your home is to enter, the more noise that will be made in doing so, and the risk of triggering an alarm in the process are all factors that will make your home less likely to be targeted," he noted. 

Residents are reminded to also be alert in their neighborhoods and keep an eye out for suspicious activity, calling police with any information.

"There is no better deterrent than a neighborhood full of alert residents reporting suspicious activity," Altizio said. "We encourage people to report any suspicious activity or persons they observe immediately, so that police officers can respond and investigate the situation." 

SPD is asking any residents that may be utilizing video surveillance systems in or around their homes are asked to review the systems for any suspicious activity on Friday December 7 and Saturday December 8. Suspicious activity should be immediately reported the police by calling 722-1200 or 911 for emergencies.