Residents living in the area surrounded by Gardiners and Wantagh Avenues south of Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown have been experiencing some concerns in recent months as the number of burglaries that have occurred in that area seemed to increase.

According to some neighbors, robberies just in that section of the community have skyrocketed since the end of spring. Officials in the 8th Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department do admit that while there were more than a few incidents in May, eight to be exact, that the number has steadily decreased since then.

Unfortunately, during the summer months, some homeowners are more likely to experience robberies while they are on vacation, police said. As far as numbers, the 8th Precinct reported that after the eight which occurred specifically in that part of the community in May, there were three in June and only one between July 13 and August 9 (numbers for the remainder of August were not yet available). In addition, police reported that there were three burglaries along Sunrise Highway over a six month period. While some residents in the area stated that they had heard rumors that there were upwards of 30 to 40 robberies in that section of the community, police reports, according to the 8th Precinct, found only 12 altogether from May through July.

Officials stated that they have increased their patrols in that area, including unmarked vehicles, summons enforcement officials and burglary specialists. The department also noted that studies were done specifically in that area to look for individuals who are on parole or probation who had once been involved in such crimes.

Precinct officials also stressed that any residents who are going away on vacation should take some precautions prior to their departure. Some suggestions included putting lights on timers, stopping their newspaper and possibly mail delivery or asking a neighbor or trustworthy friend or family member to bring their correspondence into the house. Other suggestions included leaving a radio playing during the day, trimming bushes from windows so that nobody could hide behind bushes and so the roadway could easily be seen and notifying neighbors of their absence so they can keep an eye on things while they are away.

Department officials also noted that there is an active neighborhood watch program that started up recently in the area, one that has been expanding even further north of the community. The precinct stated that they hope to expand their coverage in that area through partnerships with the neighborhood watch program, so that the two entities can exchange information.