Crime Alert Warning Issued By Chatham Township Mayor

CHATHAM, NJ — Following the Chatham Township Police Department's auto theft forum, Chatham Township Mayor Ashley Felice issued an official statement in response to the recent increase in vehicle thefts and crime in the area.

Felice asks all residents in her statement to remember to lock their car doors when entering their homes or at any other time when their car is left unattended.

"In an instant, your car, along with your children or valuables inside, could be taken from right in front of your house," Felice said.

Leaving key fobs in unlocked cars, or worse, leaving cars running and unattended, invites dangerous car thieves to prey on the Chatham community.

Many of those involved in these car thefts are career criminals with lengthy RAP records. Once stolen, these vehicles are frequently used to commit other crimes such as robberies and homicides, Felice said.

According to police, unlocked vehicles are especially noticeable because most have side-view mirrors that fold in when the vehicle is locked. Furthermore, these criminals have mastered the art of disabling car tracking and navigation systems, allowing the cars to be tracked once stolen.

"Chatham, like many towns in Morris County and surrounding counties, is a high-value target for these criminals who come into our town at all hours of the day and night," Felice said. "The sad truth is that our ability to legislate and respond locally is limited in New Jersey. These limitations include no jurisdiction on vehicular pursuit policy, criminal penalties, bail laws and other state-level contributing legislation."

Chatham officials have authorized the purchase and installation of security cameras throughout municipal properties, parks, fields, and intersections to provide intelligence and evidence for pursuing criminal activity in order to combat the problem.

"We are leaving no stone unturned in implementing any idea that we can in Chatham Township. The Township Committee’s number one priority has been and will continue to be public safety. We have proactively pursued several preventative measures," Felice said.

According to Lt. Brad Hayworth, there were nine auto thefts and 17 attempted thefts in Chatham Township in 2021. In 2022, only three vehicles were stolen, but there were 16 attempted thefts.

"Our fantastic law enforcement alone cannot curb auto theft. They need the help of the public. You can do your part in combatting this serious issue by making smart choices with your vehicles," Felice said.

Chatham officials offered the following tips earlier this year to avoid becoming the victim of theft:

• Never leave your keys or key fob in your vehicle
• Always lock your car doors and make sure windows are closed
• Never leave your vehicle running while unattended
• Park your car in well-lit areas
• Remove your valuables and garage door openers
• Keep your attached garage doors closed and entrances to the house locked
• Install motion-detection lighting and security cameras directed at your driveway
• Make sure your vehicle’s tracking system is activated if your vehicle has one
• If you see something suspicious, call 911 immediately
• If your vehicle is stolen, call 911 immediately, report the theft to your insurance company, and most importantly, do not try to recover your car on your own