Burglars Strike Oceanport Twice Last Month

has joined the growing list of towns in this part of Monmouth County that are experiencing a rash of day time burglaries.

A Burnt Mill Circle home was struck on April 23, according to the Blotter. Burglars broke the back sliding door some time between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to enter the residence, while homeowners were not home. Police were unable to determine "what proceeds were taken," according to the report.

The most recent burglary is close on the heels of an April 18 incident on Summerfield Avenue. A homeowner reported that approximately 40 collector's coins and several pieces of jewelry were missing.

Oceanport Police Capt. Daniel W. Barcus told Patch on Wednesday that homeowners should be more aware of keeping valuable items out of sight and unable to be viewed from anyone looking into the house from outside.

"Protect your valuables and make sure they're well hidden," Barcus said, adding that items like pocketbooks, wallets and jewelry left out in trays in the bedroom shouldn't be left lying around.

Most important, said Barcus, was for residents to call the police department to report anything that seems suspicious, like a car driving repeatedly through a neighborhood or someone walking through a backyard.

"If you see something suspicious and out of place," said Barcus, "don't hesitate call."

Barcus added, "Residents just need to have a heightened sense of awareness."