Police Investigate Recent Home Burglaries in Glen Cove

Several burglaries  have been reported in recent weeks across Glen Cove, including the Gribbin Elementary and Elm Avenue neighborhoods.

These cases are actively under investigation and are not exclusive to Glen Cove, said Lieutenant Tom Fitzpatrick of . 

"Just this morning I met with the commanding officer of Nassau PD's 6th Squad to discuss commonalities in our burglary cases and joint strategies to address them," Fitzpatrick said on Thursday.

Traditionally, the holiday season is often met with crime, specifically home robberies and muggings outside shopping hot spots.

In response to the recent number of burglaries, Chief of Police William Whitton released a Public Service Announcement, reminding the public of important safety precautions to take during these joyous yet uncertain times.

"Historically during this season we see an uptick in crimes of larceny and burglary," Whitton said. "This year is no different as we are already realizing a spike in home burglaries around the area. A particular pattern at this point is in that the majority of recent home burglaries the suspect has easily gained entry into houses through unlocked front and rear doors. You can dramatically lower the risk of becoming a victim by adhering to a few very simple precautions."

Whitton suggests the following precautions:

• Keep doors and windows locked, especially when the house is empty for any period of time.
• If you own a house alarm or motion sensor, make sure to set it when you leave.
• Keep vigilant of your neighbor's property and immediately report suspicious vehicles or persons to police.
• When shopping, do not leave your purse, pocketbook, or wallet sitting in a cart unattended. Have these items in sight at all times.
• Do not leave valuables or electronics visible in your car - especially overnight.

On a positive note, Fitzpatrick looked in retrospect to a key arrest last year around this time: "On the subject of burglary, we've heard that David Carruth, a serial burglar we arrested around this time last year," Fitzpatrick said, "thus solving 25 residential burglary cases on the North Shore, is likely to accept a plea deal for 16 years in prison because the case against him was so solid."