Police substation useful against mall theft Woodbridge police still say personal vigilance is important BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer KATHY CHANG Capt. Scott Kuzma, who has been the substation's commander at the Woodbridge Center mall for five years, works inside the substation during the kickoff of the 2006 Holiday Shopper Safety Program on Nov. 22. WOODBRIDGE - Township police have been responding to a rash of auto break-ins that have resulted in the theft of portable global positioning system (GPS) navigational units, by offering tips for safeguarding these expensive gadgets and by stepping up security at local shopping centers. This is a new statewide problem, said Capt. Scott Kuzma, who used an analogy to drive home the point. "A person would not count out 800 or 900 dollar bills and lay them on the dashboard," he said. "Most people would find that insane, but what people don't realize is by leaving their portable GPS navigational unit on their dashboard, it is the same thing. Put it away when you are not using it." Kuzma said the portable GPS units have become a problem recently. "It wasn't a problem last year," he said. "Those items are expensive. People need to safeguard their personal items. Prevention is the cure." KATHY CHANG Mayor John E. McCormac announces the 2006 Holiday Shopper Safety Program in front of the Woodbridge Police substation with Police Chief William Trenery, Capt. Scott Kuzma and Amy Bellisano, senior general manager at the Woodbridge Center Mall on Nov. 22. The safety program includes saturation patrols by uniformed and nonuniformed police officers inside and outside of the mall. As shoppers begin to flood the Woodbridge Center mall for the holiday season, police presence will increase. Mayor John E. McCormac announced the kickoff of the 2006 Holiday Shopper Safety Program Nov. 22 at the mall. "Public safety and quality-of-life issues stand as one of my main priorities," McCormac said. "By announcing our Holiday Shopper Safety Program and a stepped-up police presence, we are signaling that the township is open for business and welcoming shoppers." The safety program includes saturation patrols by uniformed and nonuniformed police officers inside and outside of the mall. The Woodbridge substation, a satellite headquarters for police to operate out of at the mall, began 15 years ago. "The main reason why the substation was created was because of the transportation during holiday traffic times," said Kuzma, who has been the substation's commander for the past five years. "If something happened at the mall, we would be right here," Kuzma said. "The public wouldn't have to wait." Since the substation was implemented, crime has decreased, police said. "The station reported zero violent crimes this year," Police Chief William Trenery said. "Over the 15 years, crime has decreased steadily every year." However, Trenery warned of two types of crimes that have occurred year after year. "Crime occurs when people leave packages in their car, and the regular shoplifting crime," he said. The Woodbridge Police Department has outlined some shopping safety tips: • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be especially alert to any activity near your parked vehicle. • Have your keys out and be ready to unlock your car door. • Give your vehicle a quick inspection as you approach, checking door handles, locks and the back seat before entering. • Be suspicious of people approaching your car, asking for directions or handing out fliers. • Always keep valuables and electronic equipment out of sight and doors locked. • Walk with purpose, not aimlessly, and walk with a companion when possible. McCormac and Trenery also said that certain actions can serve to keep shoppers safe. These include: • If someone demands your car, give up the keys and don't resist. • If you think you might be the victim of a "bump and rob" situation, drive immediately to the nearest police station. • Shop with friends and family members. • Park in safe, well-lighted areas, and don't walk to dark or secluded areas. • Ask a uniformed police officer or security guard to accompany you if you are uneasy in the parking area. Safety is paramount in the success of the mall, according to mall managers. "In order for Woodbridge Center to be successful, it is critical that we provide a safe and comfortable shopping environment for our customers and employees," Amy Bellisano, senior general manager at the mall, said. "We pride ourselves on our professional, customer service-oriented security team, coupled with a cooperative relationship with the Woodbridge Township Police Department," she said. "As a part of our holiday planning, increased patrols and presence by the department help us create a pleasant environment for everyone." The substation is located on the lower level of the mall outside the Fortunoff entrance, and police officers are on hand for all hours of mall operation. "The substation is active all year round," said Bellisano. "Before the holiday season, it is used for internal uses as well as for public use." Funding for the police officers is a collaboration between Woodbridge Center and the Woodbridge Police Department. "The station is just a more efficient way to keep the shoppers safe," Bellisano said.