Manual Transmission Foils Vehicle Theft In Bloomfield: Police

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Two would-be car thieves recently tried to steal a van that was left running in Bloomfield – but failed because they couldn’t drive a stick shift, police said.

The Bloomfield Police Department recently released details about two vehicle crimes that took place in the township, including one would-be theft that was foiled by a manual transmission.

Feb. 27 – “Officers responded to the area of Alva Street after getting a report about a motor vehicle theft. A resident parked his vehicle in front of the residence overnight, and the following morning at 4 a.m. he noticed it was missing. The vehicle, a gold 2013 Town & Country van, was entered as stolen. This incident is under investigation.”

Feb. 28 – “Officers responded to the 400-block of Bloomfield Avenue after getting a report about an attempted motor vehicle theft. A resident was working on a friend’s vehicle and left his van running. Two males entered the van and attempted to drive away with it, but could not due to it having a manual transmission. This incident is under investigation.

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