North Caldwell Sees Car Theft, Burglary Wave: Police

North Caldwell, NJ – You’ve been warned before, North Caldwell.

On Thursday, the North Caldwell Police Department issued an alert about a recent uptick in motor vehicle burglaries and thefts 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,” police wrote.

Police advised residents to lock their vehicles at night and to take their keys and key fobs inside their homes.

“If it appears that your vehicle was tampered with in any way through the night, call police immediately,” authorities stated. “Please do not enter or touch the vehicle. Allow us to respond to determine the cause of the situation and potentially collect evidence.”

The West Essex PBA reposted the North Caldwell Police Department’s warning and shared a video of an alleged theft attempt that reportedly took place in Roseland on Thursday.

Thursday’s warning wasn’t the only time in recent history that North Caldwell police have issued such a message.

In March, police reported a string of car burglaries in the township. Other recent warnings about car theft in the township were issued in June and November of 2015.

• See related article: North Caldwell Police Issue Alert: Watch Out For Car Thefts
• See related article: North Caldwell Sees Car Break-In Spree: Police

THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

Residents should take the following precautions, police said:

1. Leave enough lights on to illuminate the exterior of your home and driveway areas.

2. Report suspicious activity, people and strange cars to the Police.

3. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ property and vehicles.

4. Park vehicles inside garages when possible.

5. 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.

6. Do not leave dealer supplied "Valet Keys" in your glove compartment or anywhere inside your vehicle.

7. Do not leave valuables or anything containing personal information inside vehicles.

8. Lastly, NEVER leave vehicles running for any reason while unattended.

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