May 29, 2024

Dear Englewood Cliffs Resident,

I hope this letter finds you safe, and well. The purpose of this writing is to keep residents well-informed about recent incidents in the community so they have a revitalized sense of vigilance as the summer vacation season approaches.

While statewide incidents, male prowlers were captured on residential security cameras at two separate addresses in the north end of town. At one of the locations an actor entered an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway and removed several items. Several days later, there was a residential burglary to an unlocked vehicle as well as residential burglary in which a vehicle was taken from the garage. Both of the most recent incidents occurred in south end of town. I'm pleased to report that as a result of the efforts of several law enforcement agencies, the stolen vehicle has already been recovered and five actors have been taken into custody. The ECPD Detective Bureau is actively investigating all of these incidents in coordination with other local, county and state law enforcement partners.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to dispel some of the commentary that recently appeared on social media. Firstly, no ECPD officers were the target of gunfire as a result of these, or any other events. Secondly, while burglary and auto theft do occur occasionally, "home invasions" and robberies are exceedingly rare. Absent concrete facts, residents should refrain from speculations and/or commentary that has potential to cause public alarm, and I urge residents to only rely on information they receive from trusted sources.