Possible Rash of Burglaries Not Confirmed by Police

Even as community members whisper about what they perceive as a recent rash of burglaries in Three Village lately, Suffolk County police have not confirmed that is the case.

Warnings have been circulating through the community via email and an online forum, but police have not responded to requests for specific comment on the issue. A community liaison officer provided a checklist of tips to prevent burglaries and break-ins, which can be found on the Suffolk County Police Department website here.

According to police reports, between Oct. 1 and Dec. 17 of 2010, there were 8 burglaries in the Setaukets and 5 in Stony Brook. For the same time period in 2011, there were 8 burglaries in the Setaukets and 12 in Stony Brook.

"We feel like we can't protect ourselves," said Ted Nienburg, president of the South Setauket Civic Association, whose own home was burglarized.

Nienburg said he received reports of at least five burglaries South Setauket within the last three weeks, including three on Betty Ann Drive. Police could not confirm that information.

"[The police] have given us all the resources they have...They've been incredibly helpful," Nienburg said. "It makes you feel somewhat better."

Another South Setauket resident said police went door-to-door on Cayuga Avenue warning people of the incidents following a recent burglary on that block.

"They're definitely trying to get the word out that there have been burglaries in the area," the resident said. "They want us to be aware."

Recent Burglaries in the Three Village Area

Editor's Note: This article, originally published Dec. 23, was updated Dec. 29 with information from the police department website.