YWN has just spoken to Lakewood Police Chief Rob Lawson, who has confirmed to us that the police has in fact made three arrests last night. The three burglars were arrested after police received a tip from a vigilant member of the community – who spotted the suspicious men. Police apprehended the suspects, and found them to be in possession of ski-masks, along with the proceeds of a burglary which had apparently just taken place.

The Chief tells us that although the investigation is still ongoing, and that the suspects are being interrogated as this is being written (12:00PM), police feel that they are responsible for a “significant amount of the recent burglaries”.

“We are still in the middle of the interrogations, but they seems to be confessing to a whole-lot. We’ll know more later, but lets just say that we think we caught some big fish,” Lawson said.

Although these arrests are good news for the Lakewood community, the Chief is concerned that after hearing this news, people will not be as vigilant anymore and he is urging everyone to keep taking the proper precautions to secure their homes. Since YWN posted the alert regarding the recent rash of burglaries (HERE), the Chief says he’s seen positive feedback regarding this issue, and that people have been more vigilant – and cops received many more tips.

Additionally, all those who are going away for Yom Tov should please follow these tips offered by the Lakewood PD:

1: Leave lights in your house on – preferably on a timer. Most burglars look for a darkened residence to enter since this tells them that everyone is asleep.

2: Lock all your windows. Most burglars make entry through unlocked windows.

3: Lock all the doors to your house as well as your cars door.

4: Do not leave valuables in plain sight wither in your vehicle or in your home.

5: Do not allow for newspapers or mail to accumulate. Have a neighbor collect them for you.

6: Leave a contact number with a neighbor in case of an emergency.

If you are staying home for Yom Tov:

Please ensure that all your doors and windows are locked every night, especially if you have had anyone in the house such as a cleaning person or even a repairman.

Please keep an eye on your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to the Police Department 732-363-0200 as soon as possible.

Chief Lawson wishes the entire Lakewood Community a happy and healthy Yom Tov of Pesach!