Ridgewood NJ, according to the Ridgewood Police Department and as frequently reported on the Ridgewood blog , auto theft is on the rise in the state of New Jersey. In 2021 there were 26 cars stolen in the Village of Ridgewood. Every car stolen was unlocked with the keys left in it. It’s important to always lock your car whenever it is left unattended. Studies have shown that the vast majority of vehicles that are burglarized or stolen have been left unlocked. Don’t be the next victim. Here are several simple steps that everyone should follow.
Glen Rock NJ, according Glen Rock Police on Friday may 21st , Glen Rock Police Patrols were dispatched to five homes on Chadwick Place and Andover Terrace to investigate reports of multiple vehicles entered overnight. Investigation found that a total of six unlocked vehicles had been entered by unknown actor(s). Among the items stolen were wallets, cash, credit cards and personal ID. Detectives are currently investigating.
Glen Rock NJ, Glen Rock Police are working in cooperation with the Fair Lawn Police Department, P.O. Sam Evans determined that an unlocked vehicle had been entered while parked in a resident’s driveway on the 500 block of Prospect Street. Removed from the unlocked vehicle was a Gucci purse containing a wallet, just under $500 in cash, credit cards and personal identification, a cell phone, sunglasses, gaming cartridges, as well as shoes and clothing which had been left in the vehicle.
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police are investigating multiple car burglaries and thefts from within the vehicles. Multiple vehicles have been stolen and in all cases the vehicles have been left unlocked.
Please remove all your valuables from your vehicles and lock the vehicle doors. Remove all key fobs and valet keys from your vehicle.
These types of crimes are preventable and are crimes of opportunity.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report a Paterson man faces charges after they say he stole four cars, burglarized four unlocked homes and broke into numerous unlocked vehicles in Ridgewood over the last few months.
John Johnson, 32, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation launched by village detectives into the incidents, which were reported between July 10 and Sept. 15. The investigation reveal that unlocked homes and vehicles were specifically targeted, while locked ones were bypassed.
Johnson was charged with four counts of motor vehicle theft, four counts of burglary, one count of conspiracy to commit burglary, two counts of theft of movable property and one count of eluding a law enforcement officer. He is currently being held at Bergen County Jail.
Waldwick NJ, The Waldwick Police Department is investigating several motor vehicle burglaries that occurred this morning between 2AM and 3AM on the west side of town. As a result three motor vehicles with key fobs left in the vehicles were stolen. All vehicles that were entered were left unlocked. Once again we would like to remind everyone that simply removing your key fob from the car and locking the door will deter criminals from coming to our boro to commit crimes. If you have surveillance video or information that could assist the investigation please contact Det. Palaia of the Waldwick Police Detective Bureau at 201-652-5623.
Allendale NJ, Allendale police report that over the past two days several vehicles in area towns were burglarized while parked on driveways and in unlocked garages, with three being stolen Proceeds from these incidents included items such as purses, sunglasses, iPhones, and EZ passes. Allendale Police would like to offer the following tips to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of these types of crimes:
• Every vehicle that was burglarized was unlocked. Please lock your vehicle and keep valuables (i.e. purses, wallets, etc.) either out of plain view or inside your home.
• If your vehicle is parked in a garage, keep the garage locked.
• “High-end vehicle theft” is a continuing problem in Bergen County. Every stolen car, without exception, contained a key fob inside the vehicle. Do not leave key fobs in your center console or glove box. Take them with you whenever you are not using your car.
• If you witness this crime occurring, do not confront the actor! These perpetrators work in teams and should be considered dangerous. No piece of property is worth your personal safety. Be a good witness and call 9-1-1.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Allendale Policer Police Department at (201) 825-1900.
It seems like a large number or stolen cars are luxury vehicles with keys still in the car. Are they all really being stolen without the owners’ wishes? How many found they had bought a car they couldn’t afford and left it virtually open to be stolen? If insurance companies would wise up and not pay unless the vehicle seizure was not helped in any way by the owners. You would have to be blind, deaf, and dumb not to have seen the multiple police warnings. (and if you were all three, you can’t drive a car anyway.) If you want to keep your car, lock it up, and don’t leave valuable items in sight within it. Otherwise it should be assumed that you’re not just incredibly stupid but you want the car stolen.
River Vale NJ, Several towns in the Pascack Valley area are again experiencing an increased number of stolen cars. In the vast majority of incidents, the owners left keys and/or key fobs in the vehicle – making the car an easy target for thieves.
Residents are encouraged to always remove key fobs and keys from their vehicles – even when the cars are parked inside a garage. In addition, residents should be sure to remove valuables from their vehicles and remember to lock car doors and activate the alarms where applicable.
As always, residents are asked to remain alert and contact your local police promptly regarding suspicious persons or incidents.
River Vale Police Department
334 Rivervale Rd
River Vale, NJ 07675
How is locking cars the solution to thieves walking around the village unchallenged?
If anything, I would rather they collect loose change and other nonsense from my car in the driveway instead of trying break into my house. That is the next step once easy money from unlocked cars disappears.
Thieves will steal. If the easiest type of theft is restricted, they will move onto the next level (much as deterring car thefts through electronic keys has led to a surge in carjackings).
Once again, the problem is not unlocked cars or people leaving handbags in cars. The problem is thieves roaming around unchallenged. What – if anything – is being done about that?
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents to lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle at any time.
A Crest Road resident reported between 8/31/17 and 9/1/17 an unknown actor entered a parked unlocked vehicle and removed loose coins from within. The victim reported approximately $5 was removed.
On 9/1/17 a Cottage Place resident reported a parked unlocked vehicle was entered between 8/31/17 and 9/1/17. The victim reported a purse was removed from the vehicle and personal property was taken.
A Cedar Avenue resident reported on 9/1/17 an unknown actor entered a parked unlocked vehicle and removed items from within. The victim reported approximately $2000 in cash was removed from the vehicle.
On 9/1/17 an Ackerman Avenue resident reported a theft from an unlocked automobile. The theft reportedly occurred between 8/31/17 and 9/1/17. The victim reported two items valued at $1100 were removed from the vehicle.
Ptl. Brandon Donnelly responded to a Crest Road residence on a report of a stolen motor vehicle in the past. Upon arrival the victim reported a Toyota Land Cruiser was stolen between 9/2/17 and 9/3/17. The vehicle was reported to have been parked in the driveway and left unlocked. The victim reported the value of the vehicle was approximately $10,000 and the vehicle contained personal property valued at about $1200.
On 9/4/17, a Spring Avenue resident reported a theft from a parked unlocked vehicle in the driveway. The victim reported a change purse containing loose change was stolen and the vehicle registration was also missing.
A Spring Avenue resident reported discovering a theft from a vehicle on 9/5/17. The victim reported an unknown actor entered an unlocked parked vehicle and removed loose change from within the vehicle.
