Rises In Car Burglaries Reported Across Essex County, Police Say

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — At least three police departments in Essex County have reported surges in car burglaries so far in July. A common theme has been one that police have often warned about: leaving vehicles unlocked.

Within the span of a week, police in Nutley, Montclair and Glen Ridge have issued alerts about increases in car break-ins.

On July 1, the Nutley Police Department said the township – and its nearby neighbors – are seeing a rise in auto burglaries. Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said four people have been arrested and charged with auto burglary in the township within the past three weeks, and "several others" have been charged this year.

Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Strumolo issued a joint statement about the rise in local car burglaries:

"Nutley along with surrounding towns have experienced an increase in burglary to auto incidents. Actors try door handles in hopes of entering unlocked vehicles. Once inside they steal various items ranging from loose change to lap top computers, in some cases where key fobs are left in vehicle actors have stolen the entire car. If you discover your vehicle had been entered, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING- and call police."

• See related article: Nutley, Surrounding Towns Seeing Rise In Auto Burglaries

On July 3, the Montclair Police Department issued a similar alert, warning residents about an increase in thefts from motor vehicles across the township.

According to the MPD:

“The Montclair Police Department reminds all residents to lock their vehicles while unattended. We also advise against storing valuables in the passenger compartment of vehicles. We have been experiencing an increase in thefts from motor vehicles across the township. In almost every reported incident, the vehicle targeted had been left unlocked. Also, never store a key or remote key fob inside your vehicle.”

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On July 5, the Glen Ridge Police Department issued an alert about a rise in local car break-ins.

“Residents are urged to lock their vehicle doors at night as the borough has seen an increase in entered vehicles,” Glen Ridge police stated. “In almost all instances, the vehicles were unlocked.”

Other Essex County police agencies have also recently warned residents to stay sharp when it comes to locking their cars.

On July 2, the Bloomfield Police Department issued the following alert:

“This is a reminder from the Bloomfield Police Department to ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS! Do not become a victim. Too many people are leaving their car doors unlocked and thieves are taking advantage and rummaging through YOUR property! Help us help you by always locking your doors, hide valuables and take keys inside. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, call police immediately. If you have any video footage that can possibly help us to solve any crimes, please share with us through the Neighbors by Ring app!”

As police in Essex County continue to ask residents to stay alert, arrests for car burglaries continue to take place, some crossing borough lines.

In April, North Caldwell police asked residents to check their vehicles for missing items after a series of car thefts and burglaries took place in the area. Five people were eventually arrested in relation to the thefts, which also included stolen vehicles from Maplewood and Morris Plains.

• See related article: 5 Arrested In West Essex After Car Thefts, Burglaries

In May, residents of Cedar Grove and Little Falls reported several overnight car burglaries to local authorities. Cedar Grove police said other agencies, including the Bloomfield Police Department, were also attempting to identify the same suspect, who allegedly committed thefts in their towns, as well.

• See related article: 3 Cedar Grove Car Burglary Suspects Arrested

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