Home Invasions Related To Car Theft In South Brunswick Part Of Statewide Pattern: PD

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - The local police department has identified a pattern of attempted car thefts in the Township over the past month.

On three separate occasions, police have responded to homeowners' reports of suspicious activity in the Beekman Manor and Deans Pond Crossing Developments.

In each case, the homeowner reports someone trying to gain entry into their home through a first-floor window. The suspects then fled when confronted by yelling and calling the police.

Detectives believe these attempted burglaries mirror a crime pattern around the State.

"Young suspects have a list of cars they are looking for and drive around neighborhoods trying to find them. If they see a car they want, they will try to break into the home hoping to find the key fob," Det. Sgt. Timothy Hoover said.

The suspects typically target homes between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The suspects appear to be targeting homes with high-end vehicles in the driveway and are entering homes in an apparent attempt to steal the car keys/fobs.

These incidents appear to be a statewide issue. To combat this rise in attempted thefts, residents are highly encouraged to:

• Park vehicles in the garage overnight (if feasible)

• Store car keys in covert/unusual locations

• Install surveillance cameras/flood lights to oversee the driveway

• Call South Brunswick Police at (732) 329-4646 to report any suspicious vehicles driving slowly through neighborhoods, especially during the overnight hours.

Anyone with information on the cases should contact Det. Sgt. Timothy Hoover at 732-329-4000 x 7471 or by email at thoover@sbpdnj.net. For any information on crime prevention tips or to have a home safety assessment done contact Crime Prevention PFC Ryan Bartunek at (732) 329-4648 or by email at rbartunek@sbpdnj.net