By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Residents looking for relief from overheated homes by keeping their windows cracked open may want to think twice, police warn.
A rash of February burglaries in lower Washington Heights has police on the hunt for thieves who gained access to homes through unlocked or open apartment windows, according to Deputy Inspector Joseph Dowling of the 33rd Precinct.
Although the weather was bitter cold last month, Dowling said thieves were able to enter apartments by opening windows that were unlocked or kept cracked open, as well as by pushing out air-conditioning units inside the window frame or pushing past broken security window gates.
The burglars got away with jewelry and electronics, including laptops and Xbox video game consoles, during their ongoing spree in homes located on or near St. Nicholas Ave., between 157th and 161st streets, Dowling told those assembled during a Community Board 12 Public Safety committee meeting.
Dowling suggested residents who are concerned about home security can reach out to the precinct’s Crime Prevention unit to schedule a free safety evaluation of their apartments.
Tenant associations and building owners are also eligible for the free service.
Those interested can call 212-927-3284 for more information.
