Thieves Favor Easy Targets to Burglarize Cars

Thieves continue to silently slip into cars on residential streets in Maplewood and surrounding towns throughout Essex County.

They’re searching for keys, but they’ll take whatever they find, loose change, glasses, electronics, and even owner’s manuals.

It’s not really a matter of make or model. But the cars do share something in common:

Nearly all are left unlocked.

Maplewood Police has issued its June “Crime Tip” to warn against rmost recently in the area north of Elmwood Avenue and east of Prospect Street.

Residents are urged to practice good crime prevention strategies to protect their homes and autos. These strategies include:

• Locking cars and homes, both day and night.
• Remove valuables from autos.
• Use motion sensor lights for driveways and home exterior lighting.
• Use timers to activate radios or other devices to make homes appear occupied.
• Having mail, newspapers and packages removed from sight promptly.

Report all suspicious activity in your neighborhood immediately to the Maplewood Police via 911.

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. Electronic key fobs are also blamed, as newer models with start buttons can be activated even if the key fob in a home is placed close enough to the vehicle.