Jackson Township authorities warn of burglary uptick in senior communities

Jackson Township is warning older residents to be aware of an uptick in burglaries in senior communities.

News 12 Staff

Feb 18, 2020, 1:49 PM

Updated 1,529 days ago

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Jackson Township is warning older residents to be aware of an uptick in burglaries in senior communities.
Police say that nearly one dozen burglaries have occurred in several gated communities in the town. Authorities also say that a possible suspect has been captured on a security camera.
A video released by police on Tuesday shows a man walking up to a home. The man sees the doorbell camera, freezes and then knocks on the door and walks away. Police say that what appears to be a crowbar can be seen sticking out of his backpack.
Police say that the man in the video fits the description of a man who falsely told a resident he was a security guard.
“It’s extremely disturbing,” says Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes Homeowners' Association vice president Ken Cohen. “The common misconception is we are a gated community as South Knowles is, as West Lake is. But gates are only for the cars. Anyone can walk through the woods and come in."
Jackson Township police say that victims have reported nearly 12 burglaries at several different age-restricted neighborhoods, including Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes, Four Seasons at South Knolls, Greenbriar at Winding Way, and West Lake Mews.
Cohen says it's a good idea to invest in updated home security and extra lighting. But he also says that it is still safe to live in the area, and that these are the first incidents he can remember since moving there 10 years ago.
“We say, ‘If you see something, say something.’ You hear that all the time. Be vigilant. Protect your homes as best you can and notify the police department if anything occurs,” Cohen says.
Marion Security Agency provides gate monitoring at Four Seasons Metedeconk. The agency tells News 12 New Jersey that the man seen in the doorbell video is not a security guard.
Anyone who has information about the burglaries should call Jackson Township Police Department at 732-928-1111.


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