Westfield Police Catch Car Burglar: Authorities

WESTFIELD, NJ – A 50-year-old Garwood woman has been arrested on 'numerous indictable criminal charges' relating to a motor vehicle burglary which occurred during the early evening hours on May 3 on Park Drive, according to the Westfield Police Department.

According to authorities, Kristie Murphy was arrested at approximately 6:35 p.m. on Friday at her residence in Garwood by Detectives Nicholas Bruno and Jason Merritt.

Murphy was charged with 3rd degree burglary, 4th degree theft, 4th degree credit card
theft, 3rd degree fraudulent use of a credit card, and 3rd degree criminal attempt to
commit theft by deception.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro noted this recent arrest is unrelated to those motor vehicle burglaries which occurred on Scotch Plains Avenue and adjacent areas during the early morning hours on Sunday. Those incidents remain under active
investigation.

Battiloro also stressed the need for residents to be a part of protecting themselves and their property.

“Again, I cannot stress enough that we cannot become complacent with the safety and
security of our property,” Battiloro said. “We must seek to follow some very
simple target hardening measures.”

Battiloro strongly urged all residents to remove their valuables from plain sight, roll up vehicle windows, and lock all doors, especially at night.

“Be sure to follow our #9PMROUTINE,” he said.

Anyone with further information relating to this motor vehicle burglary or others is asked to contact the Westfield Police Department at 908-789-4000.

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