Princeton PD To Start Public Service Campaign After Fatal Crash

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Police Department is starting a public service campaign to urge residents to lock their vehicles and homes at all times. This comes after two people were killed following a head-on collision that took place Sunday after a teen driver stole a vehicle from Princeton.

Since August 1, police have investigated 10 motor vehicle thefts from Princeton. During these investigations, it was learned that almost all of the stolen vehicles were unlocked and the key or key fob was left in the vehicle, police said.

Police also pointed out that similar motor vehicle thefts are not just occurring in Princeton, but are a statewide issue.

The Princeton Police Department’s public service campaign will remind residents to lock their vehicles and homes at all times. “As a way to remind residents, we will be placing electronic message boards in various locations in Town with messaging to lock your vehicles,” police said in a statement. Regular Nixle Alerts and social media messages will also be sent out.

“As this is a crime of opportunity, we are urging residents to remove that opportunity and help us reduce crime. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility,” police said.

The Police Department has shared the following tips with residents:

• Remove valuables and keys from vehicles and lock doors
• Close overhead garage doors and lock inner garage door
• Close and lock all exterior doors and windows
• Turn on front exterior lights
• Set alarms if you have one

Homes and businesses that have security cameras are encouraged to sign up for the department’s Voluntary Home Camera Registration. The registration is voluntary and does not give the police access to the camera system.

All it does is allow the agency to maintain a database of active cameras in the event a crime occurs in the area. “As crimes occur nearby, residents and business owners are not always aware that their system may have captured information that could help solve the crime, thus keeping our community safer,” police said.

Cameras can be registered at: https://princeton.seamlessdocs...

The police department also clarified that information circulating in some sections of the media was “inaccurate.”

According to some media reports, residents who called police were told by dispatchers that there were no patrol cars available. The department refuted the claim saying at “no time did the dispatcher tell the caller that patrol cars were not available.”

Reports also claimed that it took police 10 to 15 minutes after the first call to respond. However, police said patrol cars were immediately dispatched and responded to the area. “They arrived in the area, began looking for the vehicle and began to set up a perimeter in under four minutes.”

Police also said that photographs of the crash site circulating online were not released by the department.

The Princeton Police Department’s sent its “thoughts and prayers” to the families of the victims as well as the officers and first responders.

“The emotional toll traumatic events such as these take on police officers is often overlooked. We are grateful to have such dedicated and professional men and women serving on the Princeton Police Department,” police said.

The crash is still under investigation.

Read Related:

Teen Driving Stolen SUV Killed Along With NJ Woman: Princeton PD

Community Mourns South Brunswick Resident Killed In Crash

South Brunswick To Lower Flags To Honor Resident Killed In Crash

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.