Car Burglaries On The Rise In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Authorities in Basking Ridge and Bernardsville are warning locals to lock their vehicles after multiple burglaries were reported in the area.

In Basking Ridge, several unlocked cars were burglarized on Governor Drive, Rankin Avenue, and Dyckman Place during the evenings of July 17 and 18. Nothing of significant value was taken, Bernards Township Police report. If anyone has information, they should contact Det Neiman at 908-204-3050.

A 2017 Hyundai Sonata was also stolen from Ashwood Lane in Bernards Township on July 18 at around 3 a.m., police report. If anyone has information, they should contact Det Neri at 908-204-3051.

Nearby, Mendham Township Police also reported two car burglaries to vehicles on Wednesday between 1 and 4 p.m. in the area of Cobblefield Drive/Tempe Wicke Road and the Washington Valley Road Area.

"We need your assistance to make it difficult for these criminals to commit these crimes," Bernards Township Police Department posted Thursday. "Please take a second to lock your vehicle and do not leave it unlocked with the keys in it!!!"

As a result, Bernardsville also alerted locals to the increase in car burglaries.

"In the last two to three years residents of Bernardsville have been victims of these types of crimes," Bernardsville Police Department posted Wednesday. "These crimes have occurred with increased frequency during the late spring, summer and early fall seasons. Often times, these crimes occur late at night or in the predawn hours while residents are sleeping."

Bernards Township and Bernardsvills Police Departmentsoffer the following steps to help prevent becoming a victim:

• Do not leave valuables in plain view (purses, wallets, GPS devices, laptops, PDA’s, cell phones, MP3’s)
• Do not leave windows or sunroof open
• Do not leave doors unlocked
• Do not leave keys or key fobs in the vehicle
• Do not leave garage door opened or unlocked
• Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view

"We need to you be the eyes and ears of the community," Bernardsville Police reported. "All too often suspicious activity is talked about with friends, neighbors and social media after the fact and never reported to the Police Department. Help us help you!"

If you see anything suspicious report it to the Bernards Township Police at 908-766-1122 or Bernardsville Police at 908-766-0037.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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