Police in Hazlet are visiting homes to make sure they are as secure as possible against burglars and car thieves.

While car thefts are down from the recent record numbers in Monmouth County, more thieves are getting keys by going inside homes, according to officials. Police say there’s been an increase in auto thefts in Hazlet and around the state.

Chief Ted Wittke from the Hazlet Police Department recently helped train 17 officers who go around to neighborhoods and carry a safety checklist as part of the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program.

In this program, police check locks on windows, landscaping, lightning, and other simple measures. They also tell residents things to do to make their home better protected against those vehicle thieves.

“It was a little surprising once the evaluation was done, but he gave us recommendations, we made some changes, and protecting ourselves from potential intruders – that’s a great program they're offering,” said Lisa of Hazlet Township.

A simple window alarm is one of the many recommendations by the Hazlet police. In the last few weeks, the department has already visited 300 homes. Home security checks take about 15 minutes. Police say they want to visit another 1,500 homes before the end of the year.

The program is free and has the support of the county sheriff, prosecutor and other police departments.

Click HERE to schedule a home assessment.