Nutley, Surrounding Towns Seeing Rise In Auto Burglaries: Cops

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police say that the town – and its nearby neighbors – are seeing a rise in auto burglaries.

On Monday, the Nutley Police Department announced that it is investigating a series of car burglaries that took place around 4 a.m. in the area of Lafayette Place and Myrtle Avenue. During that incident, three people entered “multiple vehicles” and made off with personal items.

Police were able to obtain surveillance footage from nearby cameras that captured one of the three suspects entering unlocked vehicles, authorities said. (See below photo)

Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said four people have been arrested and charged with auto burglary in the township within the past three weeks, and “several others” have been charged this year.

• See related article: 2 Juveniles Committed Several Burglaries In Nutley, Cops Say

“Although police are working to identify and apprehend suspects, we request that anyone that has information or surveillance that may have captured suspicious activity contact Nutley Police 973-284-4940,” Strumolo said.

Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Strumolo issued a joint statement about the rise in local car burglaries on Monday:

“Nutley along with surrounding towns have experienced an increase in burglary to auto incidents. Actors try door handles in hopes of entering unlocked vehicles. Once inside they steal various items ranging from loose change to lap top computers, in some cases where key fobs are left in vehicle actors have stolen the entire car. If you discover your vehicle had been entered, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING- and call police.”

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