MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Edison responds to crime spree with public safety forum

Bob Makin
@ReporterBMakin
  • A crime prevention forum will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Edison Council Chambers, 100 Municipal Blvd.
  • The forum is in response to the break-ins of four Asian Indian homes throughout Middlesex County
  • Authorities want to alleviate residents’ concern and instruct them on they can help prevent crime
  • A panel discussion with Prosecutor’s Office will be at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at TV Asia in Edison

EDISON – In the wake of a recent Middlesex County crime spree targeting Asian Indian families and continual complaints from residents that the township doesn’t deploy enough police officers, an open crime prevention forum will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the council chambers of the municipal complex, 100 Municipal Blvd.

Hosted by Police Chief Thomas Bryan, Mayor Thomas Lankey and the Township Council, the public forum will focus on home security and crime-prevention measures, authorities said. Participants will learn how community groups, such as Neighborhood Watch, can contribute to public safety.

“In light of recent events, it’s crucial for my administration and our police department reassure our residents,” Lankey said. “I want our residents to know that the Edison Police Department is working very closely with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and other law-enforcement agencies to ensure their safety and to find the perpetrators behind the heinous crime that touched our community.

“Our top priority is to protect public safety. That includes showing Edison residents how they can improve their home security and personal safety. We also want to stress the role that Neighborhood Watch groups and other civic and community organizations can help Edison’s crime-prevention effort.”

The council is eager to listen to our residents’ concerns and willing to consider ideas about how to protect them, Councilman Robert Karabinchak said.

“When it comes to public safety, we stand together behind our mayor and police chief,” Karabinchak said. “Every single one of us wants to ensure that Edison Township is a safe, secure place for our families and our children.”

Asian Indians targeted

A directive from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will prohibit township officials from discussing details during this forum about the series of recent home invasions that targeted Asian Indian families, including one last week in Edison.

That incident was just blocks from the home of Councilwoman Sapana Shah.

“The victims are my neighbors, so this crime is very personal to me,” Shah said. “I am glad Mayor Lankey, Chief Bryan and our council is hosting this town hall-style public meeting to listen to and alleviate community concerns. Our homeowners need to know how they can protect themselves, their homes and their neighborhoods.

“I realize that Edison must stay within budget and be cost-effective for our taxpayers. But Edison also needs more cops on our streets. To accomplish that, our police department and — more importantly — the police unions, must be willing to seriously consider and discuss every useful idea, option and alternative.”

Four families of Asian Indian descent appear to be the targets of home invasions in which gunmen broke into their homes, restrained family members and stole undisclosed amounts of cash, electronics and jewelry, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey recently said.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police and the FBI have joined the Edison, Old Bridge and South Plainfield police departments in tracking suspects in the armed burglaries. But they are not disclosing whether the same suspects participated in each of the late-night home invasions.

In each of the burglaries, two or more masked men, armed with handguns, entered the homes through rear entrances, restrained occupants and ransacked the homes in search of valuables.

No arrests have been made, but the investigation is continuing.

Carey advised residents to be vigilant, watch neighbors’ homes and call police regarding any suspicious activity. He also advised residents to make certain their homes are secure.

The most recent home invasion occurred on Oct 30 in Edison. Township police were called after two masked men broke into the home, restrained family members and ransacked the house at 10:40 p.m.

Prior incidents occurred at homes on Oct. 20 and 26 in Old Bridge and Oct. 28 in South Plainfield. Asian Indian families also were accosted and restrained in those incidents, as gunmen ransacked the homes and took valuables, including cash and electronics.

What you can do

Authorities in Old Bridge and South Plainfield were not available to comment on whether they will be conducting public safety forums. But the Prosecutor’s Office is organizing a panel discussion with Carey and other authorities that will take place at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at TV Asia on National Road in Raritan Center, said Reggie Johnson, an agent in the bias unit and community outreach deparatment of the Prosecutor’s Office.

“We will invite representatives of the affected communities,” said Johnson, also president of the Metuchen chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, one of four organizations working with the Prosecutor’s Office on the panel discussion.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to call the Prosecutor’s Office and contact Agent John Selesky at 732-745-3439 or Detective John Marotta at 732-745-3331.

Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County is offering cash rewards in the case. The Crime Stoppers phone number is 800-939-9600. Anyone with information also may access the Crime Stoppers website at middlesextips.com. Text messages with information also may be sent to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword “midtip” followed by a message.

Those who call will be given instructions on how to collect cash rewards by using a numerical code that will be recognized by a local bank, which will pay the rewards following approval by Crime Stoppers of Middlesex County.

Staff Writer Bob Makin: 732-565-7319; bmakin@MyCentralJersey.com