June 23, 2016: The Branford Police Department is warning citizens about a number of burglaries and thefts which were preventable.

Three burglaries have been reported over the past several weeks in the Mill Plain Road and Damascus Road areas. The primary method of entry was the ability of thieves to either push in or remove improperly installed window air conditioning units, or remove screens from an open window, allowing access into the home through the window.

Police are reminding all residents using window air conditioners to either follow proper manufacturer's installation instructions, or have a qualified service person install the unit. In addition, please install either a commercial locking device or a piece of wood between the lower window and the upper sash of the window to prevent the window from being opened from the exterior of the home. Windows left open on the ground level of a home should be avoided unless the window has a device installed that limits the window from being fully opened from the outside.

Police are also notifying residents of a number of thefts of landscaping equipment (weed whackers, backpack blowers) from either landscaping trailers or from the front of homes while workers or homeowners are at the rear of the home. Police are reminding all professional landscapers and homeowners to not leave the equipment unattended and/or lock the equipment when not in use.

At this point, police have no suspects in the burglaries, however officers believe that a light-colored or white sedan with a black passenger side mirror is involved in the theft of the landscaping equipment.

The public is asked to contact Branford Police if they have any information concerning the crimes and the public is reminded to contact police immediately to report any suspicious activity around their home or a neighbor's home.

Please remember, "If you see something, say something."

Reach Branford Police with non-emergency calls at (203) 481-4241. In an emergency, dial 911.