PRESS RELEASE
May 26, 2004

Contact: William J. Smith, 718-556-7150

District Attorney Donovan Issues Summer Vacation Tips to Staten Islanders

STATEN ISLAND, NY - With the Memorial Day Weekend approaching, Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. is reminding Staten Islanders to utilize common sense tips to protect their homes and property from burglary while they are on summer vacation.

“Although we all want to have a stress-free vacation during the heat of the coming months, we must all remember that crime never takes a break for the summer,” stated District Attorney Donovan. “I would advise all Staten Islanders to keep in mind these tips to prepare their homes and property for any extended absence, whether it be an overnight trip, or a month-long cruise.”

According to statistics issued by the FBI, home burglaries tend to increase by 10 to 18 percent during the months of June, July, and August. Based on statistics provided by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, in the year 2002 alone, over 30,100 burglaries were reported in New York City. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 9 out of 10 of these burglaries could be prevented in homeowners knew how to “burglar-proof” their homes.

With the kick-off of the summer season only days away, District Attorney Donovan recommends that Staten Islanders follow the following steps to protect their home and property:

1) Keep shades and blinds in their normal positions.

2) Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.

3) Place several household lights (interior and exterior) on timers so that they turn on and off at their usual times.

4) Arrange to have your lawn mowed while you are away.

5) Make sure that all door and window locks are in working order. Be sure all locks are in the “locked” position when you leave.

6) Activate your home alarm. (If you have one.)

7) Leave a radio on - or put it on a timer.

8) Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight.

9) Be sure to trim any hedges or bushes near ground floor windows and doors - this will deprive intruders of a place to hide.

10) Turn down the ringer on your telephone and volume on your answering machine so a burglar will not be alerted to your absence.

“I encourage Staten Islanders to cooperate with their neighbors in looking out for one another’s homes while on vacation. The police cannot be everywhere and it is true that safety begins at home,” added District Attorney Donovan.