Crime & Safety
Car Burglaries, Vandalism Reports Grow In Galloway: Police
Reports of motor vehicle burglaries and homes being egged are on the rise in the Smithville and Leeds Point parts of town, police say.
GALLOWAY, NJ — Police are urging residents to "stay vigilant" amid an uptick of motor vehicle burglaries and vandalism in different parts of the township.
Galloway police said Wednesday that they had received "numerous reports" of those crimes in the Smithville and Leeds Points sections over the past five days.
Several North Cavesson Drive residents reported that their cars had been broken into on the morning of Christmas Eve, police said. It appeared that the burglaries occurred overnight from Dec. 23 into the morning of Dec. 24, according to police.
Find out what's happening in Gallowayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The suspect targeted unlocked cars, and was able to take varying amounts of cash from each vehicle, police said.
Additionally, since Dec. 22, police have received several reports of vandalism - specifically, homes and cars having eggs thrown at them during the overnight and early morning hours.
Find out what's happening in Gallowayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Homes on Kensington Drive, Revere Court, Leeds Point Road, Manning Court and other neighborhoods have been targeted, according to police.
"It is important for our residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood," said Chief Richard Barber. "Contacting police when you observe out of place behavior; specifically, during late night hours is essential in helping deter crime."
Police are reminding residents to lock their cars and keep the outside of their homes illuminated at night.
"As many crimes are solved through eyewitness statements, informant tips, and video surveillance evidence, the police department encourages anyone with information regarding these crimes to contact our Criminal Investigation Division at 609-652-3705 extension 1," police added.
Tips can also be placed anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers of Atlantic County at:
Phone: 609-652-1234
Text: 274637 (CRIMES)
Online: www.crimestoppersatlantic.com
Galloway police thanked members of the public who had helped with investigations into these cases.
"Working together we can all provide a safe community for our friends and neighbors," police said.
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