Three Cars Stolen In Maplewood While Drivers Head Inside To Get Something, Leaving Keys

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood police released details of local crimes for the second half of last month. They noted that four cars were stolen, three of them while drivers left keys inside.

Two of the vehicles were found later in other towns.

The Incidents Were:

Sept. 16: A resident of Broadview Avenue left his vehicle unlocked and running while he headed into his home for an item, police said. When he returned, the vehicle was seen fleeing eastbound on Springfield Avenue.

Sept. 22: Someone left their vehicle unlocked with the key in it and headed inside a Springfield Avenue store to shop. When the person returned, the car was gone. Detectives found the vehicle in Irvington the next day parked and unlocked, police said.

Sept. 30: A resident of Hillcrest Road said his vehicle, parked in front of his home, was taken overnight. He said it was locked and he still had both keys.

Sept. 30 (same day): A man left his vehicle unlocked and running at Wawa at 1511 Springfield Ave. When he returned, the vehicle was missing. Police said it was later recovered in Newark.

"The Maplewood Police Department works hard to protect the residents and their property," Detective Lt. Michael Palmerezzi said in a release on Monday. "We are asking that you assist us in this effort by making sure all vehicles and homes are properly secured at all times."