Nutley Cops Beef Up Patrols After Increase In Thefts From Vehicles

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police have beefed up their patrol presence after a recent increase in thefts from vehicles, authorities announced last weekend.

Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said that several streets – Hampton, Whitford, Walnut, Highfield, Satterthwaite and Nairn – were targeted by car burglars over the early morning hours on Saturday.

At least two people are accused of “trying door handles” and stealing items from unlocked vehicles between 1 and 4 a.m., Strumolo said.

Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco said the thefts were “opportunist” crimes. He said that authorities have noticed on surveillance footage of other crimes that when suspects try to open a locked door handle, they often move along.

“We may be able to discourage them if every vehicle they attempt is locked,” Petracco said. “If you see suspicious activity, please call police and do not confront the actors.”

Nutley police shared the following list of recent vehicle-related crimes that have taken place in the township.

Aug. 26 (Monsignor Owens Place) Theft From Vehicle – A witness contacted police to report that they found a woman’s coat and three prescription bottles while they were on a walk. When officers attempted to contact the person whose name was on the medication bottles, they saw a vehicle in front of the residence with its rear driver’s door open and the interior in disarray. The owner confirmed the vehicle was broken into and items were taken, authorities said.

Aug. 26 (East Centre Street) Theft From Vehicle – A resident contacted headquarters to report a theft from their vehicle. The victim stated when they entered the car that morning, they found the cover to their center console left open with items stolen. The vehicle was left unlocked when parked the prior evening, authorities said.

Aug. 26 (Stanley Avenue) Attempted Theft From Vehicle – A resident told police that their neighbor witnessed two young men get out of a grey/silver Kia Sportage and enter the victim’s car – a white Honda – which was parked in their driveway, authorities said.

Aug. 26 (Grant Avenue) Theft From Vehicle – While canvassing the neighborhood on a burglary investigation, officers found a casino rewards card and a gift card in the street near Monsignor Owens Place and Myrtle Avenue. The officers found another casino card and more gift cards belonging to the same person a short distance away. Police were able to determine the identity of the owner of the items, who later checked their vehicle to find that their purse and wallet were taken from the back seat, authorities said.

Aug. 30 (New Street) Attempted Theft From Vehicle – A resident reported seeing a thin-built man wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and a black ski mask attempt to get into two vehicles that were parked in their driveway. The suspect was unable to get into either car and was last seen entering a Mercedes SUV that was gray or silver in color, authorities said.

Aug. 30 (New Street) Motor Vehicle Theft – A New Street resident contacted police to report that their White Jeep Cherokee vehicle was stolen from their driveway. The victim had personal items inside the vehicle when it was taken, authorities said.

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