New Haven Independent

“The criminal element knows that Westville is a nice, sleepy community,” said Police Sgt. Bernard Somers (pictured) after advising the crowd at a neighborhood meeting hosted by Alderwoman Ina Silverman Wednesday night.

Somers, the area’s district manager, warned of recent thefts: Loose items stolen from within open doors, hands snuck in through windows, purses snatched from unlocked cars. In one home, a metal chaise lounge disappeared from the garage.

Every spring, he said, “garages and bicycles are a problem.” But he didn’t have to bring up the subject with the crowd of nearly 40 people gathered in the cafeteria of the Edgewood School. One woman raised her hand to complain: Two bicycles had been stolen from her garage. She sought tips on keeping future bikes from the same fate.

How did the thieves get in? asked Somers. Was the door locked?

“No,” came the reply.

Locking the garage is “a good first step,” said Somers.

But some in the crowd didn’t want to start latching down garage doors and securing valuables in what they say is supposed to be a safe neighborhood. Open doors are part of the lifestyle: If you’re a family with four kids, “the door is never closed,” said one man.

Yes, replied Somers, but “[thieves] know people in Westville don’t lock their doors. They’re coming there because they know that this is the lifestyle you want … they take advantage of that.”

The number one solution on Somers’ list? Lights. “Lights are the best deterrent.” Especially those with motion sensors to startle thieves.

Number Two: Lock your doors and windows. In recent weeks, someone left a purse by an open window, and awoke to find it gone. A handbag left inside a car suffered the same fate.

Other tips on his list: Cover garage windows with cardboard so that perps can’t see in. Cut back your hedges so that those who would sneak up to a window have no place to hide. Or form a neighborhood watch group.