Branford police are issuing a warning to business owners, particularly restaurants, about an increase in overnight burglaries.
In the past month, there have been seven burglaries at Branford businesses where thieved tried to steal cash, police said, and five of them happened over this past weekend alone.
Restaurants on Route 1 have been targeted and the thieves are going in through the back doors.
Most of these businesses had commercial burglary alarms, but the intruders were able to circumvent them in one case.
Three of the businesses that were robbed have a video surveillance system.
Police believe that two men were involved and were driving a silver or gray pickup, possibly a Dodge.
Other similar burglaries have been reported in other communities in the region, police said.
Police are offering businesses the following tips to help prevent burglary:
- Do not leave any cash in the register or hidden in your business.
- Ensure that all doors and windows are secure when you leave for the evening.
- Upgrade old or defective doors and door locks.
- Install proper lighting outside your business, especially at entrances and exits.
- Provide proper interior night lighting with open visual access through windows.
- Ensure all alarms and video surveillance systems are operating properly.
- Always pay attention to customers or suspicious people who might be canvassing your establishment during business hours.
- Report any suspicious activity to police immediately.
Anyone having information is asked to call Branford Police at 203-481-4241.
