Burglars flee after Nassau County homeowner catches them inside overnight
EAST HILLS, Long Island (WABC) -- Authorities have tips for homeowners after a woman found two burglars in her home in the early morning hours Monday in Nassau County.
It happened around 3:45 a.m. on Melby Lane in East Hills.
The 38-year-old victim said she was inside her home on the second floor when she was alerted by a garage alarm leading into the main floor.
She went downstairs and came face to face with the intruders in her kitchen.
The woman started screaming for help and the suspects ran out of the back kitchen door. They got in a car, which drove off in an unknown direction.
An investigation revealed three unknown suspects walked up the victim's driveway and rummaged through the victim's vehicle before entering the home.
Police say the burglars took approximately $1,000 in cash from the victim's house. No one was injured and the investigation is ongoing.
East Hills has 2,400 homes and the mayor said he has constantly reminded residents not to entice burglars by taking basic precautions.
Nassau County police say don't just lock the door, install deadbolts. Definitely remove any garage door openers from cars sitting in your driveway, and also, ask a trusted neighbor to bring up trash cans and newspapers if you travel this summer.
Officials offered other common sense tips, especially for car owners.
"It's frustrating because we have seen this over and over, I mean I've had examples where women residents have left their pocketbook on the front seat," said East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz. "You know, put it in the trunk, don't advertise it is sitting there and you're leaving the door open. It's not like it's locked."
Detectives request anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-Tips or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
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