Due to the rash of burglaries in the New Hyde Park area, The Illustrated News contacted 3rd Precinct Inspector Robert Turk who made the following statement:

"The 3rd Precinct Nassau County Police Department would like to remind everyone that we and the entire community rely on one another to help fight crime. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to encourage each of you to take an active role in helping to keep New Hyde Park safe. If you see anything, or anyone, that you deem to be suspicious, for whatever reason, it is your civic duty to call the Nassau County Police and report such information. The 3rd Precinct police officers will respond to any and all calls to investigate and you will be helping your neighbors and the community.

"Remember, call 911 for matters that need an immediate police response; you will not be bothering us and those calls go directly to the patrol officers in the area. For less urgent matters, call the 3rd Precinct at 573-6300. Thank you for your support and for your vigilance."

Inspector Turk then sent the following Home Invasion Safety Tips:

1. Check your home for all possible entry points and any weaknesses that they may have.

2. Check for overgrown shrubbery and trees; maintain clear lines of sight for your entrances and driveway. Trim shrubs to a height of three feet and tree canopies should be trimmed up to eight feet. Eliminate hiding areas around entrances.

3. Check exterior lighting; this includes the back and sides of the home. Try to maintain uniform lighting and eliminate dark spots and shadows.

4. Check windows and door locks and make sure they are in working order. Install a wide-angle door viewer that permits you to look outside before opening the door.

5. Lock all doors, windows and garage whenever possible, prior to leaving your residence, going to bed, or leaving on vacation.

6. Move and secure items that could be used to facilitate entry through ground floor windows; make sure that casement windows cannot be pulled open to allow entry.

7. At night, close your drapes, blinds and window treatments as a deterrent. If the subjects cannot see into your home they may be reluctant to enter.

8. Set your alarm before going to bed. You may consider having a panic button installed near the bed or use a wireless remote alarm key chain or pendant. Have a telephone near the bed.

9. Leave an interior light on or use a timer to turn the light on and off. Leave a radio or television on when out of the house.

10. Discontinue any deliveries while away on business or vacation. Arrange for family or friends to visit your home while away.

11. Take time to inventory, photograph and have an appraisal conducted on valuable items. Prepare a videotape of your home contents and store in a safe place. Keep valuables out of the master bedroom. Store them in a safe or safe deposit box.

12. Mark your property using an engraving tool for identification.

13. When approaching your home, look for suspicious persons or vehicles.

14. As deterrence, vary your routine.

15. Start a neighborhood watch.

16. If you discover that your home has been burglarized, do not enter. Immediately call the police by dialing 911.

If you are home and a burglar confronts you:

• Remain clam, comply with the burglar's instructions.

• Remember your life is more valuable than your property.

• Try to memorize a description of the subject.

When the subject leaves, call the police by dialing 911.