Middlesex County residents nervous about home invasions

Following a series of home invasions and violent robberies in Middlesex County, a special crime prevention forum was presented in Edison Wednesday night, and an overflow crowd of several hundred people showed up.

Those attending the meeting were told that local police are working with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, the New Jersey State Police and the FBI to catch the thieves. However, authorities also stressed the importance of neighbors looking out for each other, and everyone staying vigilant and aware of their surroundings when they go shopping, get out of their cars and enter their homes.

Many in the crowd said they felt very nervous about the recent robberies.

"We just want to be comforted and we want to know how we can secure ourselves and how to go about it," said one Edison resident. "I think twice when I'm opening the door. I'm a little scared; I look around and when I park the car, I just look around and I have that kind of fear in me now."

She said the robbers are probably focusing on Asian-Indian families because "they love jewelry and they have some assets in the house."

Another local resident in attendance said authorities aren't doing enough.

"This presentation has been given three times before and honestly, I'm displeased at seeing the same exact thing, it's like nothing is ever being done," he said. "There's a simple solution: Put more cops on the road, have more police officers on the streets. We need not just accountability, we need action. That's the proper step to take."

One man said a lot of his neighbors are afraid to do anything outside of their homes.

What are you supposed to do, not take out the garbage? Or should we start buying guns and training ourselves to use them and apply for licenses to carry guns legally?"

"I hope they find these robbers and put an end to this," the man said.

Edison Councilman Sudhanshu Prasad says he understands people are nervous, but "we are safe in our homes, and the township, the administration will do everything to protect them. We will put in all the resources that we need. There cannot be a police officer in front of every home, we know that. It's true everywhere, so absolutely, neighborhoods have to watch out for each other also."

Police Chief Tom Bryan reiterated that everyone needs to stay vigilant.

"The community, they're our eyes and our ears, and it's up to them," he said.

Councilwoman Sapana Shah -- whose home is just blocks from where the most recent incident took place -- said she believes the police are doing a good job, and that neighbors have to look out for each other and everyone must become better educated.

"It might be as simple as telling somebody that if you have a security system, to turn it on," she said.

Anyone who may have information about these incidents is asked to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at either (732) 745-3439 or (732) 745-3331. Crime Stoppers will also be offering a reward; that number is (800) 939-9600, or text messages may be sent to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword "midtip."