Crime & Safety

Resident on Burglaries: I May Be Next

Speedwell Avenue residents ask for help in stopping robbery trend.

It's embarassing.

That was the comment made by Police Chief Peter Demnitz in response to what has been about 60 unsolved burglary cases this year in Morristown.

Several Speedwell Avenue residents spoke before Town Council Tuesday, voicing concern over burglaries they have experienced in the last two weeks.

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"We are concerned for safety," said resident John Zuluada. "I don't know what the police department is doing about this, four times in two weeks ... in daylight. It's very obvious something needs to be done."

While Zuluada is one of the four residents in that part of town to be burglarized–believed, he said, to be perpetrated by the same person–neighbor Marta Jimenez has not yet been robbed, but is afraid she may be next.

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"I have two jobs, I get up at 3 a.m.," she said, noting she is not around during the day to keep an eye on the house. "We never see a police car around. We want to see they're doing something extra for us."

Demnitz, in response, said police had an idea who may be committing some of the burglaries. However, they cannot just arrest someone based on speculation. "I think most people are correct [on who they think it is]," he said. "This is a person who doesn't want to get caught."

The chief said, however, despite resident beliefs, "It's not just one person [committing burglaries in town]."

In addition, with more and more people working–leaving entire neighborhoods empty–it has become much more difficult for the police to monitor every neighborhood all the time.

Demnitz cited a national burglary solve rate of seven to 12 percent, in part because "no one is home.

"Government can't do everything anymore," he said. "We simply need more help from the community. Your eyes and ears. Pick up the phone."

Demnitz cited a situation where a resident saw a potential burglar at the end of her driveway but did not call the police. "People need to call the police," he said.

Councilwoman Michelle Harris-King suggested to Jimenez that a Neighborhood Watch be formed, which would include a phone and email chain, to provide further information if anyone sees something suspicious. "I don't think they (the police) are forgetting you, but you have to come together," she said.

Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid said a flyer had gone out to every house in that area regarding a public meeting recently held in that area, where the chief had explained security issues and ways to prevent burglaries. "There were many folks there," she said.

Councilwoman Rebecca Feldman also said residents should visit the town website, which includes many of those same burglary prevention tips. "This has affected every part of our town," she said.

As recently as Sept. 6, police say a Hamilton Road residence had been burglarized, with the alleged suspect fleeing just as the resident was coming home.

Still, it's cold comfort for those who already have had their home burglarized, and those who are afraid they may be next.

"If we see a police car, we'd feel safer," Jimenez said. "I'm afraid."


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