Westfield Police Warn Of Increase In Attempted Vehicle Thefts

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro is warning residents of an increase in attempted vehicle thefts in recent weeks.

Battiloro noted that this increase is a pattern consistent with previous December months.

This past week, several incidents including burglarized cars and a suspicious vehicle that fled from police were reported.

On Friday morning, a resident on Wyandotte Trail reported trespassers in the backyard approaching the home's vehicles. A responding officer chased the suspects onto Route 22, but the pursuit was terminated due to dangerously high speeds.

"While our car thefts are down 75 percent from last year (six total year-to-date), it's a good time to remind the community to continue to be vigilant and report all suspicious activity/vehicles immediately via 911," according to Mayor Shelley Brindle. "We remain grateful to the Police Department for the extraordinary job they do to keep Westfield safe, and ask that you continue to do your part as well."

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