Bethpage-Tribune_2000-03-24

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YOUR OFFICIAL HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
VOL 34 NO. 12 MARCH 24-30, 2000 40 CENTS
Make Spring a Difficult Time for
Burglars and Robberies
by Nassau County District
Attorney Denis Dillon
For many Long Island
homeowners, warm weather means
vacation travel, working outside -
leaving a home vulnerable to
burglary. In addition, this time of
year is when many people spend
days or evenings at parks, beaches
or clubs - again leaving the house
susceptible to a break-in. As District
Attorney, I'd like to give residents a
number of steps they could take to
help discourage a burglar.
- Install and use good locks,,
bolts, or chains on all doors and
windows, garage doors and gates.
- Keep all doors locked, even if
you are at home.
- Do not hide a key outside.
- Do not have your name or
address on your key chain. Be able
to separate house key from car key.
- Install and use NOISY burglar
alarm.
- Outside lights should be on in
the evening whether you are at home
or not.
- Pull curtains and drapes when
you turn on lights.
- Trim hedges and bushes
around doorways.
- Do not open your door to
anyone without first looking out to
verify the identity of repairmen,
messengers or acquaintances.
- If a stranger asks to use your
phone, don't let him in -- offer to
make the call for him.
- Don't have valuable (silver,
collectibles, etc.) visible through
windows.
- Do not leave notes on your
door indicating that you are away
from home.
- Do not leave purse, wallet,
keys, etc., on a table or chair near an
entrance.
- When possible, vary your
schedule. Burglars watch for regular
departures for work, school, hair
appointments, bridge, etc.
- When calling for in-home
services or delivery (furnace repair,
cleaning, etc.) always call a
reputable firm. Do not way, "We're
only home after five or on the
weekends." Instead say, "We're in
and out all the time, so let's set a
specific time."
- Do not put empty TV, stereo,
game, sports equipment boxes out
on curb or alley, for trash collection -
you're advertising to burglars where
they can "shop."
- When away from home, leave a
radio playing (to give the "sound"
appearance that you are at home).
- Do not give any personal
information to strangers over the
phone.
- Take special precautions when
attending well-publicized events --
club parties,% sporting events, church
occasions, funerals -- consider a
house sitter.
- Do not leave a repairman alone
in your home. Take him directly to
the area to be serviced and stay with
him.
Do Be Aware of and Report to
Authorities:
- People loitering in the
neighborhood.
- People loading household
furniture into a vehicle.
- Vehicles (especially unmarked
vans, trucks) driving back and forth
in a particular area.
- People looking in cars along
street or in parking lots.
- People coming to your door
looking for "Mr. Jones" or many
wrong number phone calls --
burglars are looking for unoccupied
residences.
Be Observant:
- Take note of license plate
number, make and model of vehicle.
- Physical description of
suspicious people; clothing, coloring
and size (compare to your height).
When Going Out of Town:
- Notify your local precinct police
office of your plans.
- Use light timers or have a
neighbor turn lights on and off and
change drapes and curtains.
- Stop all deliveries or have a
neighbor collect mail, newspapers
and fliers.
- Arrange to have lawn mowed,
walks shoveled. In the case of snowy
weather, consider having a neighbor
drive in and out of your driveway a
few times.
- Do not publicize your plans.
- Consider a house sitter.
Important
- If you see any sign (broken
glass, forced door, rifled drawers)
that your home may have been
entered while you were away, DO
NOT GO IN. LEAVE AT ONCE.
- Go to a neighbor's home. Call
the police and report A BURGLARY
IN PROGRESS.
- Generally, residential burglars
are not violent, but they don't like to
be confronted or cornered.
Changing of the Guard
At Bethpage Republican Club
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto visits the Bethpage
Theodore Roosevelt Republican Club to congratulate and Thank Mr.
George Yochman on his 20+ years of service as Executive Leader. He
also welcomed the Clubs New Executive Leader Gary Pappas together
with the club President Kevin Galloway. A party in George Yochman's
Honor will be held Friday March 24, 2000 @ HR Singletons in Bethpage.
The Club meets each month on the 2nd Monday @ The American
Legion Hall located on Washington St., Bethpage @ 8:00 pm - All are
welcome.
Let The Parade Begin
There will be a Memorial Day meeting on Wednesday, March 29, at 7:30
p.m. at the Bethpage Fire House on Broadway.
It is that special time of year that we set aside one day at the end of the
month'of May which is known Nationwide as MEMORIAL DAY.
This is a day that we pay special tribute to all the men & women of our
nation who gave their lives to defend our country. It is a day that we
remember the nineteen young men from our town who paid the ultimate
sacrifice.
It is important that all organizations attend the meeting to let the
committee know who is parading, also to give names of organizations who
would like to place wreaths at Memorial Day Services at the Bethpage Park
on May 29 at 11 o'clock.
This year we are inviting young & old to join the parage, with decorated
bikes to honor our deceased veterans. More information will follow to those
who intend to ride bikes in parade.
Let's make this parade the best ever,