Chief on Burglary Prevention: 'It Takes a Community'

Keep your windows and doors shut and locked when you're not home; firmly secure air conditioners and window fans; keep an eye out for strange vehicles; be suspicious of anyone coming to your door, no matter their excuse; and don't broadcast your travel plans or photos on social media while still on vacation.

Those are just a handful of the many tips Bedford Police provided during Wednesday night's public information meeting, which was organized to address nine recent Bedford burglaries and provide tips on how to prevent future break-ins.

But one of the most important purposes of the meeting, said Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski, was to stress the partnership between his department and the residents of Bedford in keeping the town and their homes safe from burglars.

"These men and women take this very personally," she said. "We take it as a defeat when it happens here in Bedford. The reason we're here tonight is we want to stop it before it happens and not investigate these burglaries after the fact."

Bryfonski said that while the majority of burglaries occur when criminals enter a home through an open window or door while residents are not home, many can be prevented ahead of time.

Detective Matthew Fleming explained that a slow moving vehicle driving up and down a road is a pretty clear indicator, but noted that anyone coming to your door, whether a utility man or a Jehovah's Witness, should be looked upon with skepticism. Many would-be-burglars are scoping your house by approaching your door and checking to see in anyone is home. Residents encountering any type of suspicious activity are encouraged to immediately contact Bedford Police at 472-5113.

When asked specifically for a recommendation on gun ownership, Bryfonski said he wasn't comfortable telling residents whether they should or shouldn't protect their homes with a firearm, though he did strongly encouraged anyone who owns a weapon to take proper precautions and to educate themselves on proper use.

Watch the attached video for more from Bedford's Police Chief and click here for additional information of recent burglaries.