Nutley Sees Wave Of Car Thefts, Burglaries As Holidays Approach

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley public safety officials issued an advisory for residents after a series of car thefts and burglaries took place in the township.

On Monday, Nutley police director Alphonse Petracco and police chief Thomas Strumolo released a joint statement about the thefts, which have taken place over the “past couple of weeks.”

Police are investigating several motor vehicle thefts that have occurred on Darling, Washington and Park Avenue. Burglaries were reported on Cadmus, Renner, East Passaic, Hopper, Mount Vernon and Corsay Road, authorities said.

According to officials:

“Chief Strumolo reminds residents that this time of year theft from unlocked motor vehicles tends to increase. Whether it’s because they contain holiday packages, valuables or that most people have their home windows closed and can’t hear someone entering their car invites thieves to shop in town. By securing your vehicles and removing valuables will help deter these criminals from committing crimes. Vehicles left idling while exiting to get breakfast or coffee is not only illegal, it also makes for an easy target for criminal opportunists. If anyone has information or video surveillance that captured suspicious activity or actors, please contact Nutley police at 973-284-4940 or email NutleyDetectives@NutleyPD.com. If your vehicle appears to have been entered, contact police before entering or touching it.”

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com