Police Say Keep the Tips Coming

The Montville Township Police Department has received an influx of calls about unfamiliar vehicles in town since police reports of several home burglaries were accompanied by notes asking residents to report suspicious activity immediately.

Police Capt. Edward Rosellini said the calls are welcome and residents should keep the tips coming.

No arrests have been made and, as of late last week, no new break-ins have been reported.

The most recent reported home break-in occurred Feb. 1.

Police have reported seven home burglaries since New Year's Eve. They said dark houses appear to be targeted in the evening.

In most cases, front or rear doors are forced in and cash and jewelry are searched for in master bedrooms, police said.

Rosellini has said residents should call in any suspicious activity right away, such as if their doorbells ring and nobody is at the door, or if someone is seen sitting in a car. If a suspicious vehicle is seen, residents should record the license plate if possible.

Police advise keeping doors and windows locked, and making homes look occupied, such as by setting lights to timers. Newspapers and garbage cans left in driveways can tip off which homes are unoccupied, police said.

In the Feb. 1 burglary, on Avalon Drive near Changebridge Road, police said a suspicious vehicle was seen in the area beforehand.

Police are are once again using a free service called Nixle to broadcast alerts to interested residents via text message and email, Chief Richard Cook said.

Nixle allows public safety agencies to send warnings, alerts and informational messages via text message, email, mobile app or Web browser for free.

Residents can sign up by texting their ZIP code to 888777 or by visiting www.nixle.com.

Montville police can be reached by calling 973-257-4300.