Burglary Attempts In Chester Prompt Police Warning

CHESTER, NJ — Recent burglary attempts, which the Chester Police Department has highlighted, have caused patrol units to increase their focus on residential coverage in the community.

Police have not announced any successful burglaries, but officers have stated that every reported incident is still being investigated.

The Washington Township Police Department, a neighboring police station, announced that a group of vehicle burglars was recently apprehended on Chester Township grounds, at West Morris Central High School.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, officers responded to West Morris Central High School for reports of vehicle burglaries. Officers determined that several males had arrived at the high school campus and began searching vehicles for unlocked doors.

When an unlocked vehicle was discovered, it was broken into by the group and any cash inside was stolen, police said.

"This situation has been taken very seriously and that we are taking every precaution to protect our residents in attempting to prevent future, similar occurrences," Chester police said.

Last fall, three people were arrested and charged with stealing from at least five vehicles parked at county parks in Mendham, Chester and Washington townships on Oct. 10.

In response to increased crime attempts, the police department has stated that it will increase its focus on residential coverage in order to both deter and hopefully catch those who come to Chester to commit crimes.

Residents are encouraged to assist by first and foremost locking and securing their vehicles and homes. The majority of these crimes, according to police, are opportunity crimes in which the wrongdoer does as little as possible and takes advantage of unsecured property.

"The greatest tool that law enforcement has is a working relationship with the community focused on preventing crime and enhancing public safety," police said.