Good afternoon,
As many of you may have already heard, there have been several home invasion style robberies within Middlesex County recently. Although there haven't been any such reports in North Brunswick, the Police Department would like our residents to have as much information as possible.
During a two week period in October, these robberies occurred in South Plainfield, Edison and Old Bridge. All victims reported being tied up by multiple suspects with weapons, who stole cash, jewelry and electronics. Based upon the victims to this point, the suspects are believed to be targeting the Asian-Indian community. No arrests have been made, but multiple law-enforcement agencies are collaborating on the investigation.
-Residents are reminded to lock your doors, both when home and while out. This includes residences and vehicles; in many cases, if someone accesses the interior of your car, they are now able to access your home via keys or garage door openers.
-Be vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings, and always keep an eye out on neighbor's homes as well.
-Exterior lighting can be a great deterrent, but is especially helpful when answering doors. You should always try to identify anyone knocking or ringing a doorbell, prior to opening the door.
-Do not post statuses on social media that may assist others in targeting you, such as posting when you will be away or home alone.
-Call police anytime suspicious activity is observed. Often times, neighbors will notice something unusual, but fail to call the Police. All suspicious activity is better investigated than dismissed. If a suspicious or unusual vehicle is observed, make note of the license plate number in case it is needed by the police later.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor, Andrew Carey, along with Freeholder James Polos, will be holding a community forum on Nov. 12, 2014, at 6:00pm, sponsored by the Indian Business Association, an Iselin-based community group. Anyone with questions or those interested in attending the televised event can contact Satish Poondi, the legal adviser for the Indian Business Association, at (732) 762-6394.
Authorities are offering rewards for information in the case. Anyone with information on the case can call their local police, or Agent John Selesky of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3439, or Detective John Marotta of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745- 3331.
Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County is also offering cash rewards in the case. The Crime Stoppers phone number is 800-939-9600. Anyone with information also may access the Crime Stoppers website at middlesextips.com. Text messages with information also may be sent to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword "midtip" followed by a message.
