North Caldwell Cops: ‘Group Of Thieves’ Stole Jeep, Started Chase

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — Leaving the keys in your vehicles at night is a bad idea, according to the North Caldwell Police Department. And as a police car chase earlier this week demonstrates, it can even put people’s safety at risk, authorities say.

On Monday, North Caldwell police released information about an incident that happened on York Place around 3:30 a.m. involving a stolen 2018 Jeep Cherokee, which may have had a key fob inside at the time.

Police wrote:

“We need to remind everyone AGAIN that leaving your keys or key fobs in your vehicles at night is a really bad idea. Last night we had a group of car thieves in town and they were able to steal a vehicle which ultimately led to a pursuit which put police officers’ lives and other motorists’ lives in danger.”

The NCPD wrote that the group of suspected car thieves travels through the state, stealing vehicles almost every night.

“And [Sunday] night they made an appearance here in North Caldwell,” police stated.

According to authorities, the group of thieves look for unlocked cars or vehicles with the keys inside.

“If our town could be diligent and ensure that all of our vehicles that are parked outside are secured every night we could prevent this problem,” the North Caldwell Police Department wrote. “Additionally, please leave exterior lights on at night as this assists the police that patrol all night looking for suspicious activity.”

On Thursday, North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer released some additional details about the incident, noting that at least two masked suspects were captured on Ring doorbell video footage as they walked around the area, checking for unlocked cars.

“The stolen vehicle was later seen driving in Newark where a pursuit occurred,” Deuer said. “The pursuit was brief as it was morning and school was about to begin.”

According to Deuer, North Caldwell police found the stolen Jeep unoccupied in Newark and towed it back to the township for processing.

Nobody was injured, and no suspects have been arrested as of Thursday, Deuer said.

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