Be Watchful, Be Wary, Stay Safe

Be vigilant. But don't be a vigilante.

That was some of the advice Detective Sgt. James J. Smith Jr. and had for Holiday City at Berkeley residents during an informational session earlier this week that focused on and crime.

“You need to help us," Smith said during his hour-long presentation attended by about 40 residents. "We need to help you. The only way to do it is with strong communication.”

Several residents in the senior communities have been victims of

Don't fall for the scam police have dubbed "death's front door," where a criminal reads recent obituaries, then contacts the family and claims to represent a credit card company coming to collect the deceased’s credit cards, Smith said.

Once the scammers obtain the credit cards, they use them to go shopping, which leaves the bereaved responsible for the bill, he said.

Smith said residents of Holiday City may be targeted because they are near Walmart where cash money transfers are accepted. Con artists like cash transfers since they are uninsured and hard to track, he said.

Residents should also be on the lookout for fraudulent contractors, Smith said.

Soliciting is not allowed in Berkeley Township. So if a contractor who has not been hired by a resident in advance knocks on their door to inform them of a problem with their home, just say you are aware of the problem, Smith said.

Once they leave, check to see if there really is a problem with the house. If there is no obvious problem, call police and report the incident, he said.

is the most important step residents can take to prevent crime in their neighborhoods, Smith said.

Even reports that cannot be immediately acted on - such as a private home where neighbors suspect drugs are being sold - can be very helpful to police since the reports can be used as the basis for an eventual warrant to search the dwelling, he said. 

Smith noted recent incidents in which a on New Year’s Eve and no one reported hearing the noise. In a second incident, a garage was robbed in broad daylight. The suspect then called his girlfriend from the victim's driveway and waited to be picked up, he said.

He said these types of crimes can be prevented if neighborhoods are alert instead of “lackadaisical.”

Smith did however advise against vigilantism.

“To investigate on your end means observe and reporting. We can’t have vigilantism,” said Smith. “Just become a good witness.”

Following his presentation Smith opened up the floor for a question and answer session that lasted about 30 minutes.

One resident asked if suspicious vehicles should be reported to the or the regular police line.

Smith said calling either line was acceptable. Calls made to the tip line will be  referred to a patrol officer. He said the only time not to call the tip line is when a crime is definitely in progress.

 One resident suggested the police make up flyers with tips that residents should know about observing and reporting crime in order to “alleviate fear and ignorance in the neighborhood.”

The resident also suggested police notify residents via patrol cars and a megaphone when a suspect is on the loose, so people know to keep an eye out.

Smith said the first idea was something the department could easily implement. But the second is not feasible, because notifying residents with a loudspeaker is reserved for mandatory evacuations like a hurricane or other emergency.

Another resident suggested that if a car passes through the same street twice, approach the driver and ask if they need directions, then glance at the license plate to report the car to police.

But Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele cautioned against this tactic.

“I do not want you to approach suspects," the chief said. "Your safety is important to us.”

Smith agreed, noting a handgun could easily be concealed within a suspicious vehicle.

Smith also advised residents to take photographs of their most valuable possessions. If items are stolen, police can take the photographs to local pawn shops to recover the items. Pawn shops are required by law to take photographs of anything they buy, so the photos can be a valuable tool in recovering stolen valuables, he said.

What if you are robbed in person?

Remain calm and try to observe details about the suspects, such as what they re wearing and personal features, Smith said.

“We don’t want anyone to get hurt. Don’t do anything stupid. Just be eyes and ears,” said Terry Ristano, vice president of Holiday City Berkeley Neighborhood Watch.

Smith also said neighbors need to look out for each other. If they see uncollected newspapers or mail at a home, they should either knock on the door or call the police to check on the homeowner.

Both Smith and DiMichele said they felt the seminar was a success.

“We want to get the word out to people to be vigilant, take a vested interest in their neighborhood," DiMichele said. "The more information they get to us, the more apt we are to stop crime in the neighborhood.”

Smith said this is third meeting of this type at Holiday City and attendance has grown at each one. He said while “most people will never become a victim,” it is important to prepare residents on how to prevent and report crimes.

Anyone interested in starting a neighborhood watch group can call him at the at 732-341-1132, ext. 155 for help.