3 Questions for Police Chief Matthew Canelli: Dec. 14

North Branford Patch: What's new with in the North Branford Police Department?
Police Chief Matthew Canelli: The North Branford Police Department recently acquired a 2012 V-Nose 16-foot dual axle enclosed trailer to house and transport vital equipment used by the North Branford Police SWAT officers. 

This trailer will replace a 1989 Chevrolet E350 cube van which the department received as a donation from another community when it was retired from active service as an ambulance. The 1989 Chevy had been used by the SWAT officers to store and transport this equipment for several years and was currently in need of major repair. Rather than seek to acquire another vehicle based transportation system for the SWAT officers the department it was opted to outfit a trailer that could be towed by any of the three departments SUVs that are on patrol. The trailer was purchased from a New York dealer for $4,095. The department utilized funds made available from the seizure of money, and subsequent forfeiture, from a North Branford drug arrest so the purchase was at no cost to the taxpayers. 

North Branford Patch: What's something residents need to know? 
Canelli: The North Branford Police Department would like to take this opportunity to advise residents to be especially cautious and vigilant during this holiday season. Residents are advised to take appropriate security measures to thwart would-be burglars. Examples of simple preventative measures are:

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
• An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market. Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you.
• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places – burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home – this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
• Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9­1­1 immediately. 
• The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes!

North Branford Patch: What is your favorite way to give back during the holiday season? 
Canelli: Every holiday season I take the opportunity to support many local charities. 

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