Watch For 'Cell Phone Theft Ring' In Barnegat, Police Warn

BARNEGAT, NJ — Police are warning residents to be wary of a "cell phone theft ring" in the Barnegat area, where phones are being stolen from porches shortly after delivery.

Two have been arrested in connection to these thefts, Barnegat police said Tuesday, but the ring is much bigger than just two people.

Police previously warned about these thefts this past July. Since this past spring, Stafford police identified several New Yorkers as suspects and charged them in relation to previous package thefts. Read more: Package Theft Sting Operation Nabs Another In Ocean Acres: Police

"These thefts are predominantly related to FedEx deliveries," Barnegat police said. "We have also discovered that AT&T phones are targeted more frequently than other cell carriers, although any cell phone may be a target of package thefts."

Deliveries of phones will increase with the release of the new iPhone, police added.

They recommended the following precautions:

1.) Having the phone delivered to a store.

2.) Arranging for someone to be at your residence when the package arrives, particularly if it's being delivered by FedEx.