The New Milford Police Department is investigating two daytime burglaries that occurred a mile and a half apart Thursday.

The first burglary occurred in a residence on North Park Drive where entry was gained through an open first floor window, Chief Frank Papapietro said.  A jewelry box had been emptied and several drawers ransacked in an upstairs master bedroom. The resident could not immediately determine what had been taken, he said. 

The second burglary occurred sometime between 5 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. Thursday on Faller Drive when a female friend of the resident left the apartment to do laundry, leaving the front door unlocked.  

She returned to find the front door was locked. Upon gaining access to the apartment, she observed that it had been ransacked, a file cabinet had been rummaged, and a liquid prescription medication had been emptied and refilled with dishwashing soap.

New Milford Detectives and the Sheriff’s BCI unit were dispatched to both scenes to take evidence. 

Papapietro is advising all residents to lock their doors and windows when leaving their homes. 

He added that if you suspect your home has been burglarized call police immediately and "do not enter the residence."

Most importantly, Papapietro advises that people avoid announcing daily or planned activities on social websites, such as Facebook or Twitter.   

“We all look forward to going away on vacation but announcing your plans on social sites when you plan to be away, even if it’s for only a day trip, tells criminals that there may be a potentially empty house available," he said.  

Papapietro asks residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the New Milford Police Department at 201-261-1400 or call 9-1-1 if you observe a crime in progress.