New Providence Police Chief Daniel Henn Addresses Public Safety Concerns

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Police Chief Daniel Henn appeared before the Borough Council again on Tuesday, October 8, this time addressing safety concerns after an October 7 armed robbery that took place at a residential home on Princeton Drive.

Henn noted that the scary incidence happed just before daylight. The resident was awake at the time of the unlawful entry into the home. He noted that the borough police have conducted the initial investigation and are now continuing to pursue every available lead. The police are looking into any available surveillance videos in the neighborhood. The identification of the getaway vehicle is still being investigated. It is believed that the vehicle was a dark-colored sedan. He noted that this type of burglary and home invasion is not a typical crime in New Providence. However, it is important to be transparent regarding this incident. He noted that it is not uncommon to have burglaries and vehicle thefts in the borough.

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Henn acknowledged that many residents may be concerned, but he reassured that the police are out in the neighborhoods and vigilant. He offered some advice how residents can protect themselves. The two most important things are locking both the home and vehicle doors and keeping lights on in the house. He also noted that it is important to maintain your property and to make your home look like it is lived in even when you are away.

Other mechanisms to thwart off potential robberies are security systems and surveillance cameras that will help police to solve crimes “after the fact.” He also pointed out that if you have a surveillance system you should also have enough digital storage to retain the surveillance information.

Regarding other news several Brookside Drive residents came to the meeting to oppose sidewalk construction on their street. They said they are concerned about potential basement flooding and drainage issues that the sidewalk installation may cause. They were also worried that the beautiful trees that line the street will be taken down thus fundamentally changing the character of the street. They also questioned the need for sidewalks as according to them very few students from the Salt Brook School walk the length of the street.

Borough resident Allen Swanson asked the parents and police officers to educate children about wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle.

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