Car Thieves Escalating To Home Break-Ins: Morris Plains Police

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — In light of the ongoing vehicle theft problem that has plagued many Morris County residents, the Morris Plains Police Department issued a public safety warning, alerting all residents to the latest trend in car thefts in the county.

According to police, there is a new criminal trend in Morris County, as evidenced by recent cases. Thieves are now breaking into homes through unlocked doors or windows and, in some cases, forcing their way inside in search of vehicle keys.

"I find it both disheartening and alarming to advise you of this information, but our primary mission is to keep you and your loved ones safe," Chief Michael M. Koroski said.

The current vehicle theft issue is affecting communities all through Morris County and throughout New Jersey. Both the Florham Park Police Department and the Parsippany Police Department recently released statements alerting residents of the ongoing issue.

Last week, police in Florham Park notified residents that suspects were seen using the garage door opener to open the garage door to the residence, and then entering the home's mudroom before being scared away by the owner's dog.

"Had there not been a dog in the home the suspects likely would have searched the interior of the home for the vehicle keys creating a highly dangerous situation for the homeowners," police said.

Officers in Morris Plains have been leaving crime awareness notices at homes when they observe conditions that could make residents vulnerable to crime as part of their effort to reduce residential crime.

According to the police, the following actions should be taken by all residents to promote safety:

• Park your vehicle in the garage if possible.
• Always lock your vehicle doors and remove valuables.
• Don't leave your vehicle keys in sight, even in your home
• Report suspicious people or vehicles immediately.

Sens. Richard Codey (D-27) and Anthony Bucco (D-25) held a news conference earlier this month to introduce bipartisan legislation that they say will give law enforcement new tools to combat "an epidemic of car thefts, often organized by gangs that prey on at-risk juveniles."

The proposed bill would expand penalties for those stealing or receiving vehicles, as well as those who recruit juveniles to do so.

Read more: Democrat, GOP Lawmakers Say NJ Car Thefts Are An 'Epidemic'

"It is not news that we advise our residents to lock vehicles and report suspicious activity, as the past few years have seen increases in vehicle thefts throughout New Jersey," Koroski said.

More than 17,000 vehicles are expected to be stolen in the state this year. According to Codey and Bucco, car thefts have increased by at least 20 percent per year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If you are the victim of someone breaking into your vehicle – please do not touch anything. This allows our officers to have a better opportunity at investigating this crime and finding potential suspects," Morris Township police said.