Crime & Safety

North Caldwell Car Burglaries Reported, Police Issue Warning

Read some theft prevention advice from the North Caldwell police here.

North Caldwell, NJ – The North Caldwell Police Department issued an alert on Wednesday morning warning local vehicle owners to take car theft precautions due to recent car burglaries reported in the area.

“There have been several vehicle thefts in the area in the past week where vehicles were left unlocked and keys were left in vehicles,” the NPD stated in a news release.

According to police:

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“[We] are advising residents to lock their vehicles at night and to take their keys and keyfobs inside their homes. If it appears that your vehicle was tampered with in any way through the night, call police immediately. Please do not enter or touch the vehicle. Allow us to respond to determine the cause of the situation and potentially collect evidence.”

Police advised resident to take the following precautions:

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Leave enough lights on to illuminate the exterior of your home and driveway areas.
  • Report suspicious activity, people and strange cars to the Police.
  • Keep an eye on your neighbors’ property and vehicles.
  • Park vehicles inside garages when possible.
  • If you must leave cars parked in your driveway, make sure that they are locked with alarms set, and that the keys or keyfobs are in a secure location inside your home - Never leave your keys or keyfobs inside your vehicle for any reason.
  • Do not leave dealer supplied "Valet Keys" in your glove compartment or anywhere inside your vehicle.
  • Do not leave valuables or anything containing personal information inside vehicles.
  • Never leave vehicles running for any reason while unattended.

PREVIOUS CAR THEFT ALERTS IN NORTH CALDWELL

Wednesday’s alert hasn’t been the first recent warning from the North Caldwell police. Other recent warnings about car theft in the township were issued in June and November of 2015.

In January of 2013, a 19-year-old Scotch Plains man was arrested for entering unlocked cars in the West Essex Regional High School parking lot and taking wallets, jewelry and other valuables

Sign up for Patch email newsletters here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.