3 Cars Stolen In Berkeley Heights

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Three cars were recently stolen from Berkeley Heights and police are reminding residents to be on alert. All of which were either left running, unlocked or with the key fob inside.

"Almost 95 percent of the motor vehicle thefts are because the key was left in it and it was running," Berkeley Heights Captain Robert Deitch said.

On New Year's Day at 8:50 p.m., a 2018 Mercedes Benz was stolen from a driveway on Overhill Way. A key fob was left in the vehicle. The vehicle has not been recovered, according to Deitch.

On Saturday two more vehicles were stolen. The first one was reported at 6:46 p.m. where a 2018 Volvo was stolen from a driveway on Ridge Drive while the owner started the vehicle and left it unattended to warm up, Deitch said.

This vehicle was recovered in Newark by Berkeley Heights Police later that night.

"It should be noted the owner started the vehicle, then took the key fob inside and the vehicle was left unlocked," Deitch said. "The thieves were able to drive the vehicle because the key fob is only used to start the vehicle and does not need to be in proximity of the vehicle to be operated."

The second theft on Saturday was reported at 10:37 p.m. where a 2018 Infiniti was stolen from the Lifetime Athletics parking lot. The vehicle's owner reportedly went inside the facility and left the vehicle unlocked and the key fob inside the vehicle. This vehicle has not been recovered.

"We want to take this opportunity to remind people that they need to remove all keys and key fobs from their vehicles," Deitch said. "Any property inside should be removed or placed in a spot in the vehicle that makes it difficult to be seen from the outside. Park your vehicles in well lit spots in parking lots and make sure that you lock the vehicle before walking away."

Residents are urged to remember their license plate number, temporary registration number (for new vehicles), Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN #) and any other identifying stickers or parts to the vehicle to aid in the recovery of their vehicle in case it is stolen. This will help authorities to be able to locate the vehicle.

The following is a list of precautions and tips that residents can do to help reduce their chances of becoming a victim of these types of crimes, offered by the Berkeley Heights Police:

At your home:

• Remember to take your key fob with you every time you park the car
• Lock all doors every time you leave the vehicle
• Install motion sensor lights that cover the area your vehicle is parked in
• Remove personal property from the vehicle or put it where it cannot be seen from the outside
• Warming up vehicle- start the vehicle with a remote start and do not leave the key in the vehicle; if the car does not have remote start, do not let the vehicle run unattended with the key in the ignition
• Key fob: Once a vehicle is started with a key fob, the vehicle can be driven even when the fob is not in the vehicle. The fob only starts the vehicle.
• Make sure that the valet key has been removed from the vehicle after purchase- if you do not know if you have one or where to find it, contact your dealership and they will help you

Away from the home:

• Park your vehicle in well-lit areas during evening and nights hours
• Do not park in secluded lots
• When shopping, place your packages in the trunk or under a cover that is available in most sport utility vehicles
• Do not leave the engine running while you “run” into a store for anything (coffee shop, car wash, anywhere)
• When shopping, walk to your vehicle and have your keys in hand so that you can enter the vehicle and not become distracted looking through a jacket or purse — be aware of your surroundings
• If you are concerned about walking to your vehicle, contact the store or mall security and they will likely walk you to your vehicle

(Image via Shutterstock)

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