Ho-Ho-Kus December 1, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Police remind residents to help with crime prevention by Jennifer Crusco Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a significant increase in burglary activity generally takes place, according to Ho-Ho-Kus Detective Sergeant Michael Pattman. In an effort to thwart these incidents, the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department is asking residents to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and reset their exterior lighting timers. “People often forget to reset their timers when Daylight Saving Time ends,” Pattman said. “For the past several years, Ho-Ho-Kus officers have been leaving reminder cards at residences that were found to have inadequate lighting or other conditions that may attract burglars.” During the holidays, the days are shortest and darkest, and many people leave their homes to visit with friends and family members and to attend parties. At this time of year, residents also tend to keep more cash in their homes, and there are presents on hand for the December holidays. However, since Pattman and Sergeant Christopher Minchin started the reminder program in 2003, burglary activity in Ho-Ho-Kus during this period has declined. Citizens are reminded to make their houses look occupied. Tips include leaving lights on timers, keep on a TV or radio talk station, inform a trusted neighbor if they will be out of the house, and report any suspicious activity to the police. It is vital that suspicious actors be reported quickly. Some burglars are not discouraged by home security systems because they plan to break in and leave before they think police can respond to the scene. As a result, early reports to the authorities can halt crimes. Residents should not hesitate to advise the police about unknown vehicles, unknown people, or unusual activity. Various burglary rings that employ different methods crop up and disband over time. Several years ago, a group that had been operating out of Teaneck was using “luxury” cars with hidden compartments to hide items stolen in burglaries. This group was known for ringing the doorbell of a home presumed to be unoccupied and then breaking down the door to gain access to the residence. For additional information, or to report suspicious activity, Ho-Ho-Kus residents may call police headquarters at (201) 652-1700. The Grooming Post Professional Dog Grooming • Vet Recommended • No Tranquilizers Used • Full Line of Dog & Cat Supplies • Expanded Retail Featuring Orijen, Solid Gold & Other Holistic Foods/Treats • 22 Years in Business • www.groomingpost.com Enjoyable event The Ho-Ho-Kus Historical Association recently hosted a successful Wine & Spirits event to raise funds for the association’s activities. Center Court Plaza • 10 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick 201-670-9121 “Where Your Pet Gets the Best of Care” NATURAL CLEANERS Exclusively Using New Generation Dry Cleaning Solvent DF-2000™ Contains NO Perchloroethylene (PERC) SHIRTS LAUNDERED • EXPERT TAILORING WEDDING GOWNS CLEANED $200 $300 $500 $ 00 10 OFF OFF OFF OFF ANY ORDER $10.00 OR MORE ANY ORDER OR MORE $15.00 ANY ORDER $25.00 OR MORE ANY ORDER $50.00 OR MORE Incoming Dry Cleaning Only Incoming Dry Cleaning Only Incoming Dry Cleaning Only Incoming Dry Cleaning Only With Coupon Exp. 1/12/11 With Coupon Exp. 1/12/11 With Coupon Exp. 1/12/11 With Coupon Exp. 1/12/11 ANY INCOMING ORDER OF $25 OR MORE $500 OFF $500 OFF 145 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick New Jersey 07463 (Across from Hamilton Square & New York Golf Center) ANY INCOMING ORDER OF $25 OR MORE Incoming Dry Cleaning Only • With Coupon Exp. 1/12/11 Incoming Dry Cleaning Only • With Coupon Exp. 1/12/11 Phone: 201-689-9444