Cranbury Township

Police Department

News & Crime Prevention

Winter Crime Prevention Tips

Residents need to be aware of a recent string of burglaries in the area. The burglaries are under investigation by our detective bureau and the entire force is working to apprehend the thieves. We have provided the following tips to help you make your home safer:

  • The best way to prevent a burglary is to watch your neighbor's home and have them watch your home. You know who belongs in the area and who does not. Contact us immediately if you see any suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood.

  • Be aware of who is watching you leave your house. If you see a suspicious vehicle when you leave your home, do not be afraid to call our department. Try to copy down the license plate number, make, model, color and other identifying marks (dents, bumper stickers...) of the suspicious vehicle. A description of the occupants is very helpful

  • Lighting is essential in preventing crime. Do not forget to leave exterior and interior lights on. Motion detector lights have proven their worth in recent years. You may also consider leaving a radio on and tune it to an all talk radio station.

  • Burglar alarms have proven their worth. It is important however, that the burglar alarms be equipped with an external siren (in a secure location) and a battery back up in case of an interruption in the telephone or power service. You may contact the Cranbury Police Department for a copy of the alarm registration form and the ordinance that governs alarms. Alarm information is also available on the township web site.

  • Sheds and outbuildings have been a favorite of thieves lately. Heavy duty locks and a simple cow bell may be just enough to keep thieves away from your power equipment. You may also consider stopping by headquarters and borrowing our etching device. By etching your driver's license number on your tools and other valuables you make them too "hot" to steal. Between recording serial numbers and etching your driver's license number on your property you increase our ability to prosecute the burglars and return your items to you.

  • Vehicles should be secured and the valuables removed. Parking under a motion detector light is also advisable.

  • The last tip is to put your house number in a conspicuous location. It should be illuminated or reflective to allow easy identification in the dark.

The Cranbury Township Police Department offers a home/business security survey free of charge to all local businesses and homeowners. The survey will provide you will simple suggestions to help you protect your property and your family. If you would like to set up a home survey, or if you have any questions about home security or personal security you may contact Capt. Kahler or Chief Hansen at 395-0031.

On October 24, 2005 the Cranbury Township Police Department will move their non-emergency telephone lines from our old station on Dey Road to our new station on Logan Drive.

Emergency services will not be affected.  If you have an emergency dial
9-1-1.  Should you have the need to contact the police department for a non-emergency matter dial (609) 395-0031.  In the event that the non-emergency call does not go through during our move you may dial the Hightstown Police Department at (609) 448-1234.

Police Bicycle Patrol

In August the Cranbury Township Police Department began a bicycle patrol.  Officers Cipriano and Giaccone completed the one week training program and began patrols immediately.

The officers have received many compliments from residents for their thorough patrols and outgoing demeanor.  As the officers patrol the residential streets and parks the officers have made many new friends in town.  Many residents appear to be more comfortable approaching an officer on a bicycle than an officer in a patrol car.

The bicycle patrol is just the latest addition to the community policing initiative in Cranbury. Officer Simkin and Officer DeChiara will complete their training in September and should be on the road shortly thereafter.

Police Bicycle Patrol

 

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