Uptick In Car Thefts In Cherry Hill, Many Left With Keys Inside: Police

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Police have noted an uptick of vehicle thefts and burglaries in Cherry Hill. In many incidents, the victims left their doors unlocked and/or their keys inside.

Cherry Hill had 37 reported auto burglaries in May and June, police told Patch. Out of those incidents, 66 percent of the vehicles were in front of a home and 70 percent were left unlocked, says Police Lt. Thomas Leone.

When it comes to auto thefts, Cherry Hill police tallied 86 in the first half of this year. Forty-two were stolen with the keys or key fob inside, while 60 percent were taken from the front of a residence overnight, Leone said.

The Cherry Hill Police Department reminded the public in a July 26 Facebook post to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables, including keys and fobs.

"Don’t leave your primary or spare key in your car!" the agency said. "While you may think it is convenient, you run the risk of not only locking yourself out of your car, but giving opportunistic thieves the chance to take your vehicle."

Cherry Hill had 136 reported auto thefts in 2022 — the township's highest total in more than a decade, according to FBI data, which goes back to 2011. The township reported only reported 61 auto thefts in 2020, according to the FBI's Crime Data Explorer.

Township police provided the following tips:

• Remove your valuables (including keys or key fobs).
• Double-check to make sure all doors are fully shut
• Lock your vehicle.

If you believe you may have been a victim of a crime, contact police dispatch at 856-665-1200.