Car Thefts, Burglaries Reported In Berkeley Heights

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Berkeley Heights Police are asking residents to remain vigilant and on alert following a car theft and several car burglaries in the township on Friday.

Just after midnight on Aug. 17 one car was reported stolen. It was immediately found wrecked on Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights Captain Robert Deitch said.

About four other vehicles were also found burglarized in the area on the same night, Deitch said.

Warren also reported similar criminal activity in their town last week with nine stolen or burglarized cars this past month. (See related: Rash Of Car Thefts, Burglaries Reported In Warren)

Basking Ridge also reported two stolen cars recently. (See related: 2 Luxury Cars With Keys Left Inside Stolen In Basking Ridge)

Due to the increase in car thefts and car burglaries in Berkeley Heights as well as in surrounding communities, police are reminding residents how they can stay safe.

The following is a list of precautions and tips offered by Berkeley Heights Police:

At your home:

• Remember to take your key fob or keys 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 starter 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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