Thieves Sneak Into 2 West Orange Homes, Steal Cars; Police Issue Alert

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Police in West Orange issued a warning to residents on Friday after thieves snuck into two local homes and stole the owners’ cars last week.

According to the West Orange Police Department, it’s not just a local problem – the entire state of New Jersey “has seen an increase in thefts of motor vehicles, as well as burglaries into homes.”

As part of some of these burglaries, the thieves will look for key fobs that belong to vehicles in the driveways. Police shared two incidents that recently took place in West Orange as examples:

• May 25 – “[The suspects] made entry to a residence on Fairmount Terrace through a rear door. No signs of force were discovered on scene. [The suspects] located the key fob to a BMW 530 on the living room sofa and then stole that vehicle.”
• May 29 – “[The suspects] gained entry to the residence on Eagle Rock Avenue through an unlocked and partially opened window at approximately 3:30 a.m. Once inside, the key fob to a 2019 Audi Q8 was located and the [suspects] stole that vehicle.”

They aren’t the only recent incidents that fit the pattern, West Orange police added:

“In the past six months, the WOPD has investigated eight additional incidents in which actors entered a residence with the assumed purpose of locating keys or key fobs to steal those vehicles. Entry was gained to the residences through the following means: one garage door opener located in an unlocked vehicle, three unlocked front or rear doors, four unlocked windows, and one forced entry through a rear door of the home.”

“From our incidents, it appears that the actors are targeting high end, luxury vehicles and committing burglaries specifically to obtain the keys or key fobs,” West Orange police said.

All of the incidents took place during the overnight hours, and the suspects used force to enter the home in only one out of the eight incidents, police said.

Nearby towns in Essex County are also experiencing similar thefts, West Orange police said, including Livingston, which has seen six home burglaries and attempted home burglaries in the past week.

• See Related: Burglars Break Into A Series Of Livingston Homes For Car Keys: Police

Now, West Orange police are asking residents to be “extra vigilant” about protecting their homes and securing their vehicles.

“We always remind people to close their windows, lock car doors, take all valuables out of vehicles,” Police Chief James Abbott said. “Even keep outside lights on all night.”

Abbott said that local residents who think they are witnessing a crime should report it to law enforcement. Meanwhile, West Orange police are increasing patrols and trying to track down leads, he said.

“We’re out there, but we definitely need the eyes and ears of residents as well,” Abbott said.

West Orange police said anyone with information regarding the recent burglaries or any suspicious activity can call 973-325-4000. For all emergencies or to report a crime in progress, call 911.

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