28 August, 2023
Amid an ongoing investigation into multiple home burglaries in the region, Chief Joseph Bennett and the Hopkinton Police Department would like to provide residents with home security and theft prevention tips.
The Hopkinton Police Department, in conjunction with the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office and the Massachusetts State Police, is currently investigating multiple home burglaries.
The ongoing investigation has determined that the individuals are likely gaining entry into homes through an upstairs window while residents are away and stealing large amounts of cash and jewelry. It is also believed that the individuals are able to interrupt security measures. The victims of these break-ins are often of Indian and Asian descent.
The first break-in in Hopkinton of this type was reported in July 2019. Four break-ins have been reported so far this year.
"The safety of our community is our top priority," said Chief Bennett. "While this is an ongoing investigation, we encourage residents to be vigilant and want to ensure people know about basic security precautions that can help prevent crimes such as these."
Hopkinton residents who will be away for long periods of time are encouraged to submit the House Check Request Form. Through the house check program, a Hopkinton Police officer will check your home on a daily basis.
The Hopkinton Police Department also reminds residents to immediately report any suspicious activity.
The Hopkinton Police Department would also like to share the following tips to help prevent home burglaries:
-Keep all doors and windows locked, even when someone is home.
-Keep valuables hidden from plain sight. Store valuables in a heavy-duty safe that cannot be easily broken into or removed. You can also rent a safe deposit box at your bank.
-Do not store ladders in easily accessible areas.
-Consider installing an alarm system. A hardwired security system, while more of an investment, will not experience signal interference.
-Have good exterior lighting.
-Consider motion-sensitive lighting.
-Close curtains or blinds to prevent thieves from looking in.
Trim back or remove landscaping that provides hiding places around vulnerable doors and windows.
-Make your home appear occupied by leaving lights on when you go out or leaving a radio or television on when you are away.
-To keep mail from building up while you're away, place a hold on your mail while you are away or have someone trusted retrieve your mail.
-Do not talk about vacation plans in public areas or on social media, and don't post real-time photos while away on vacation.
If you suspect that your home has been broken into:
-Do not enter the home. Call 911 immediately.
-Don't touch anything or clean up until the police arrive and collect evidence.
-Be prepared to provide descriptions and/or photos of stolen valuables to police.
Anyone who may have information about these burglaries is asked to call the Hopkinton Police Detective Bureau at 508-497-3401.
