Amid Rash of Burglaries, Neighborhood Watch Group Meets with Police Chief, Detectives

It was one of the larger monthly meetings of members of Toms River’s neighborhood watch groups. Michael Mastronardy estimated 40 residents came out to hear the police department’s detective supervisor discuss ongoing crimes.

The monthly meeting happened to fall amid home invasions in Toms River.

And Mastronardy also said there’s a recent rash of daytime burglaries, more than a month’s worth, as burglars break in to homes to take cash, jewelry and other valuables.

“I think people are concerned about what’s going on,” Mastronardy said.

The meeting might have had more members than previous monthly neighborhood watch meetings, but to Mastronardy it’s a good sign that residents want to take an active role in preventing crime and being a set of eyes in the community.

The meeting was held 7 p.m. in police headquarters. It was an hour-long discussion of topics such as robbery, home invasion, the local homeless population, emerging drug trends and home security.

“It was a good meeting, very productive,” said Mastronardy.

Residents are concerned about all the crimes they are hearing about, he said. They’re taking an interest in figuring out how to protect themselves and their neighborhoods from crime.

“They understand what’s going on,” said the police chief. “They are going to get their neighbors’ help in being aware of their community. They’re going to get secure.”

Mastronardy encouraged others to get involved, and applauded the work of residents and business workers in the community, sharing tips that have led to arrests and investigation breakthroughs. “This is a good group of people,” he said.

To learn more about neighborhood watch in Toms River, call police headquarters at 732-349-0150.