Brazen Bandits Break into Cars at Livingston Mall

Car bandits struck fast on Saturday, breaking into seven cars just as the sun was beginning to set on a busy shopping day at Livingston Mall, police said.

"We haven't had many of these break-ins," said Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold. "This group was brazen."

A shopper called police when she spotted one of the thieves using what appeared to be a screwdriver to open the door of a Nissan Maxima in the parking lot near Sears.

At about the same time, police began receiving calls from other shoppers who found their cars broken into, their glove compartments ransacked and items they had purchased earlier in the day – clothing, pots and pans, an iPod – and personal items like a cell phone and a doctor's prescription pad -- taken from their cars, Dippold said. Most of the car locks had been forced open, although one of the cars had been left unlocked.

The police suspect the alleged bandits would have stolen the cars if valet keys had been found in the glove compartments. The thefts happened around 4 p.m. in four different lots around the mall. The suspects fled in a black BMW, according to the eyewitness, police said.

The spree underscores the need to be vigilant, especially during this busy shopping season. Livingston Police have already stepped up their patrols and surveillance at the mall, "something we normally do during the shopping season," Dippold said.

Police also offered these tips to avert car break-ins.

• Lock your doors: While this piece of advice should be a no-brainer, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars, according to law enforcement agencies. Simply locking the doors will deter those looking for an easy target.

• Remove your valet key: That's what the thieves are looking for, Dippold said.

• Don't leave valuables in the car: It's an attraction for thieves, Dippold said. Stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight -- or better yet, bring it with you.

• Stash before — not after — you park: Get in the habit of putting shopping bags in the trunk right when you return to the vehicle, rather than after you park at the next place.

• Keep your eyes out and call the police if you see anything suspicious.