While the number of burglaries in Hudson is not up from last year, we did have three on the weekend of October 15. These incidents occurred in the Stonington, Abner Lane and Jonathan Drive areas. A possible suspect is shown in the photos captured on a nearby home security camera. The Hudson Police Department (HPD) is asking anyone with security surveillance cameras on their homes in those areas to review footage from October 15 through October 17 to look for any suspicious activity during that time. Contact the Hudson Police Department at (330) 342-1800 if you find something of interest to the investigation.
To date this year, there have been 24 burglaries compared to 30 last year. While the number fluctuates from year to year, we have been averaging about two per month over the past several years. As a comparison, the highest number of burglaries reported in the past 10 years was 55 in 2009. The lowest number reported was 19 in 2015.
Two of this year’s 24 incidents involved stealing alcohol from unlocked garages, so the actual number of attempted or successful entries into a home was 22. In the three recent incidents, no one was home, there was no alarm system, and entry was made through a rear door or basement window.
To understand the incidents that have occurred, here is information about this year’s statistics, followed by tips to minimize your risk of being a victim.
- In 9 of the 24 incidents, entry was made through unlocked doors/windows.
- Only 2 of the 24 had active alarm systems (some had systems, but they were not activated). In the two with alarm systems, there was one arrest and one where no successful entry was made (probably thief was scared away by alarm).
- Most of the incidents occurred on the weekends, and some were homes that were vacant for some time. No incidences occurred when individuals were in the home.
- In most cases, jewelry, cash, and wallets were taken. In eight of the incidents, nothing was taken.
A map of the locations of all burglaries for 2017 to date in Hudson can be found on our City website.
How can residents help minimize their risk of being a victim of a burglary?
- Lock all doors and windows, even when you are home. Use deadbolt and other types of security locks that make it harder to enter the home.
- Make it difficult for someone to conceal themselves while breaking in. Avoid tall/thick shrubs around your windows and doors. Avoid privacy fences.
- Make sure there’s sufficient lighting near entrances, particularly in the rear of the home where break-ins are most likely to occur. Having good exterior lighting on a timer helps, but the best thing is a motion sensor floodlight. When a motion light kicks on, it can alert neighbors that something’s going on, and let the intruders know they can be seen.
- Use timers on interior lights when you will not be home. The same kind of timers you use on lights can also be used to turn radios or TVs on and off to make it look like you’re home.
- Keep valuables out of sight from windows or doors. Valuables or items that make it look like you have valuables inside, make you a more likely target of crime.
- Watch your neighbors’ homes and activity in the neighborhood. If you see something suspicious, call the Hudson Police immediately. We often receive calls about incidents hours later after the suspect is long gone.
- An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market. Wireless WiFi operated alarms are helpful, particularly with battery backup if the electric or phone system is cut.
- If you have a home alarm system, use it! Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system.
- Get a dog. The bark is more important than the bite. A little yappy dog can be more of a deterrent than a German Shepard.
- If you’re going away for a while, lock your garage and disconnect the automatic garage door opener. Thieves can open the garage door with wireless transmitters.
- Never post on social media that you’re out of town or that you’re going away. Thieves monitor these to determine when a home is vacant and ripe for a burglary.
- Notify Hudson Police when you will be away from your home for an extended period. As part of our Vacation Watch Program, HPD periodically drives by to check on any activity, but it’s not a 24/7 security program. It’s also good to have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home, take in your mail, put trash cans out, etc. to make it look like you’re home.
- Remember, it’s impossible to make your house completely break-in proof. The goal is to make your house less of a target for thieves.