Sea Cliff patrols stepped up

After a spate of robberies in Sea Cliff, the Nassau County Police Department has increased patrols and is urging residents to trick burglars by making it look as if someone is home.

Within about seven weeks, five homes have been burglarized. The first burglary was on Highland Avenue on Dec. 3, followed by Hawthorne Road on Dec. 10, Adams Street on Dec. 20, Cromwell Place on Dec. 29, and Florence Avenue on Jan. 22, said police spokesman Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone.

And on Jan. 31, there was a burglary attempt on a home on Cliff Way, Repalone said. [CORRECTION: A story yesterday incorrectly described a spate of incidents in Sea Cliff. There have been five burglaries and one attempted burglary in the village since Dec. 3. (A15 ALL 2/21/2008)]

"They might have been scared off," he said.

According to the 2000 Census, the median household income in the North Shore village was $78,501, nearly twice as much as the national average.

Although police are not sure whether the burglar is acting alone or with others, Repalone said the method is similar: during the day, when the home is unoccupied, the burglar enters through a basement window, steals jewelry and small electronics and leaves through a door.

"The burglars do not want confrontation," Repalone said.

The police department has increased the amount of uniformed and plainclothes officers in the area, Repalone said, but "They [the burglars] may have moved to another area."

Repalone recommended that before going on vacation, residents cancel mail and newspaper delivery, set lights to a timer, leave a radio on and park a car in the driveway.

On Feb. 4, Mayor Eileen Krieb sent a letter to residents, urging them to be vigilant. "If you see something that doesn't look right, call 911!" the letter said.

Village officials are holding a community meeting at village hall at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 during which a retired police officer will offer home protection tips.

By BY SUSANA ENRIQUEZ
Posted Sunday, February 24, 2008

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