Increase In Vehicle Thefts Prompt Warning From Bernards Police

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Due to an increase in motor vehicle thefts in Basking Ridge, police are reminding residents to lock their cars and not to leave the keys or key fobs inside.

Most recently, there was a motor vehicle theft and an attempted motor vehicle theft on Sunday in the northern part of town on Childs Road and Old Farm Road, Bernards Township Police Lt. Mark Leopold said.

"All of the vehicles have been left unlocked with the keys or key fob inside. This is a crime of opportunity that requires no skill and can be completed within seconds. These crimes have occurred overnight and during the early morning hours," police posted.

The recent rash of motor vehicle thefts is not isolated to Basking Ridge with cars being reportedly stolen in Warren, Bridgewater, Berkeley Heights and in Bergen County.

Many of the vehicles are being recovered in Essex County.

"This crime can be easily prevented by locking your vehicle," police said.

Residents who observe any suspicious activity should contact the Bernards Township Police at 908-766-1122 or 911 if it’s an emergency.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers the following tips to prevent auto theft:

1. Use Common Sense: Lock your doors and remove your keys from the ignition. Park in well-lit areas.
2. Invest in a tracking system: A tracking system emits a signal to the police or monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked by computer.

More tips from NICB can be found at their website: www.nicb.org/prevent-fraud-theft/prevent-auto-theft.

• See Related: Unlocked Luxury Car Stolen From Bridgewater Home
• See Related: Unlocked Car Stolen From Warren Driveway
• See Related: Berkeley Heights Offers Safety Tips As Car Burglaries Increase
• See Related: High-End Vehicle Thefts Prompt Warning From Bergen Prosecutor

(Image via Shutterstock)

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