Fort Lee Police Arrest 7 Who Ran Vehicle Theft, Burglary Ring

FORT LEE, NJ — Borough police arrested seven people, including five juveniles, after several vehicles were burglarized and stolen in town last month.

Key fobs, the electronic devices that allow owners to remotely open their vehicles, have "created opportunities for criminals" to burglarize and steal vehicles without forcing them open, said Capt. Matthew Hintze.

There were 17 vehicle burglaries and four thefts from Aug. 17 through 28, Hintze said. Police investigated and determined that burglaries and theft had occurred in Englewood Cliffs, Ridgefield Park, Cliffside Park, Palisades Park, and Leonia.

Police departments from those municipalities, the Bergen County and Hudson County prosecutor's offices, and the Bergen County Sheriff's Department investigated.

That investigation led to the arrest of Felipe Santos, 19, and Kshawn Jackson, 18, Hintze said. Santos was charged with 17 counts of burglary to motor vehicles and four counts of theft to motor vehicles. Jackson was charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

Charges were also filed against five juveniles from Jersey City and Union City, all of whom were charged with 17 counts of burglary to motor vehicles and four counts of theft to motor vehicles.

"This investigation is an excellent example of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to solve a crime plaguing our area," Hintze said.

Hintze reminded residents to lock their vehicles, not leave keys and key fobs inside them, and keep valuables out of sight if kept inside vehicles or take them out.

If anyone saw anyone who looks like Santos or Jackson or saw any suspicious activity, contact the Fort Lee Police Department at 201-592-3510 or your local police department.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photos: Felipe Santos, 19, and Kshawn Jackson, 18 (Fort Lee Police Department)