Thieves Target Running Cars With Keys Inside Near Princeton

WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — West Windsor police are warning residents about cars in neighboring communities that are being stolen while they are running and are left unattended in the morning. They issued a reminder not to leave a car unattended while running with a the key inside on Friday.

“Use autostart features which do not allow the vehicle to be removed. I know they can run for a short time and turn off but you can usually run this twice,” police said in an alert Friday morning. “If you don't have an autostart, try using teen age children to scrape windows before they leave for the bus.

Over the summer, Princeton police reported that three cars were stolen and five others were broken into in one day. Recently, a car was stolen outside a nightclub in Haverford Township and recovered in Princeton. In that incident, the car was stolen while a person who was still inside the club left it running outside.

“Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you're away from it, even for ‘just a minute.’ Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it's in front of your home,” West Windsor police said. “Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight. Remove portable electronic devices such as smart phones and GPS navigation systems, including suction cup or bean bag type mounts. Even the visible appearance of a suction cup ring on the glass windshield can be an enticement to a thief to break in and look for the GPS system. Park in busy, well-lighted area. Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle. When you pay to park in a lot or garage, leave just the ignition or valet key with the attendant. Make sure no personal information is attached.”

Police suggested installing a mechanical locking device — commonly called clubs, collars, or j-bars — that lock to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees.

“Investigate security systems if you live in a high-theft area or drive an automobile that's an attractive target for thieves,” the police department suggested. “You may get a discount on your auto insurance.”

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