Car Theft, Burglary Spree Hits Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Three cars were stolen and multiple vehicles were burglarized recently in Hillsborough prompting police to issue a warning.

"These actors are generally groups of juveniles or young adults that come from outside of the area to specifically target stealing cars with the key fobs left in them or to steal property from vehicles that are left unlocked. These activities are happening in municipalities across the state," said Hillsborough Police Chief Mike McMahon.

Residents should consider these actors to be "armed and dangerous" as a home surveillance video shows one person carrying what appears to be a handgun, said McMahon.

On Tuesday during the early morning hours, several vehicle burglaries along with three vehicle thefts were reported.

Numerous suspects were caught on home surveillance recordings pulling on vehicle door handles and trying to get inside, said McMahon.

These suspects targeted all different types of vehicles and were only successful on vehicles that were left unlocked or with the key fobs left inside, said McMahon.

The three stolen vehicles have since been found and the criminal actions that took place are being thoroughly investigated by Hillsborough Police.

McMahon and the Hillsborough Township Police Department are reminding all residents to lock their vehicles when left unattended and to keep the key fobs separate from their vehicle.

Residents are asked to contact the Hillsborough Township Police Department should they come across a crime in progress as described above. Residents should not confront or approach the suspects on their own, said McMahon.

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