BY DAVE CHOATE

Burglaries are up from the first six months last year in Goffstown, but the Police Department said that probably isn’t a cause for alarm.

During his presentation at the selectmen’s meeting, Chief Michael French informed the board that burglaries were up by nine over the first six months from last year. Despite that statistic, police Lt. Robert Browne said residents should not fear there are more than usual.

“There’s nothing to really be concerned about. Unfortunately, it does happen, but we have had success clearing the cases,” he said.

Browne cited the typical variation in yearly statistics and noted that the burglary rate is only two higher than for the same period in 2005. He also said trespassing is counted alongside burglary, which could mean the rise is partially or mostly due to the less serious crime.

Browne said other factors could also be involved. He noted that the department often sees an increase in burglaries reported during the holiday season.

“Around the holidays you’ll have a few houses being broken into during the day, when someone goes off the deep end and needs the money. That brings up the burglary total, even though it’s isolated,” Browne said.

He said he did not have a breakdown of commercial and residential burglaries. Browne said some of the interconnected burglaries have been solved because of the tips and cooperation of other residents.

Whether the rise is indicative of a larger problem or not, the lieutenant said it serves as another reminder of the care residents should take with their homes and vehicles.

“I always urge residents to use common sense and lock their residence. Talk to neighbors and get to know them so if there’s a car in the yard that doesn’t look right, they’ll call police. We’d rather be called about a false alarm instead of not at all,” Browne said.

Chief French also reported to the board that assaults, juvenile offenses and sex offenses were up from last year, but that motor vehicle crashes and summons have been down. The Police Department’s full report is available under the July 30 minutes on www.town.goffstown.nh.us.