In the last three months, Jericho has been hit with six burglaries - three in East Birchwood and three in West Birchwood. Police are asking everyone to keep their eyes open and report any suspicious behavior directly to 911.

Michael Heller, president of the East Birchwood Civic Association, has been in constant contact with the second precinct to try and protect local residents from being the next victim.

"The police are really on top of it," said Heller. "They are patrolling the area as much as they can but there are things we can do to help each other."

Heller suggests looking out for your neighbors. "If a neighbor is not home, bring up their garbage pails, shovel their driveway and bring in their mail," said Heller. " Homes should look lived in and cared for."

Sergeant Colasonno from the second precinct suggests using timers in the home on lights and also television sets. Also, Sergeant Colasonno suggests residents should keep their valuables in a secure and hidden location.

"If you see anything suspicious, call 911," said Sergeant Colasonno. "Don't call the precinct - call 911. Any face that you've never seen before, anyone walking in the streets and talking into a phone or radio, any car that doesn't look familiar in the neighborhood or anyone sitting in a car - call 911. Call if you see anything out of the ordinary."

Although the police are following some leads, the best protection at this time is protecting yourself. "The little things that you do might stop someone's house from being burglarized," said Sergeant Colasonno. "Make your house look like there is someone in it. The more you do, the better off you are."

Sergeant Colasonno suggests the timers for lights and television sets around dusk to give your house the appearance that someone is home, deterring someone from entering the house.

According to Sergeant Colasonno, the Problem Oriented Police Unit will be meeting with local civic groups and discuss what they can do in the near future. Further information, such as meeting times and dates, will be published in the Syosset-Jericho Tribune.