Crime Alert: 10 More Car Burglaries and Thefts
Police seek help in stopping the wave of vehicle break-ins; urge residents to lock cars.
The Millburn Police Department, along with surrounding municipalities have been experiencing a rash of motor vehicle burglaries and several vehicle thefts.
Last night (Thursday, June 30), more than 10 vehicles were broken into, mostly in the Glenwood and Wyoming areas of Millburn Township, according to Lt. Peter Eakley of the Millburn Police Department. One vehicle, a 2009 Acura MDX, was stolen, he said.
In the past month, the perpetrators have targeted multiple areas in the Millburn-Short Hills community.
During the overnight hours these subjects have mostly entered unlocked vehicles and rummaged through glove boxes looking for the vehicle’s valet keys, Eakley said.
Once the key is found, they steal the vehicles, he said. In addition they also have stolen loose change, laptops, iPods and GPS systems.
“We are asking for the public’s cooperation and highly recommend the following: 1) Activate your vehicle’s alarm system; 2) Lock all doors and windows on your vehicle, at all times; 3) Remove all valuables from your vehicle, including the valet key; and 4) If you see or hear anything suspicious, immediately contact the Millburn Police Department,” Eakley said.
Suspicious activity can include car alarm activations, dogs barking late at night and idling vehicles, he said.
The Millburn Police Department is aggressively investigating these crimes. “We also need the public’s help,” he said.
shelly rey
8:22 pm on Friday, July 1, 2011
is the police increasing surveillance by patroling the areas?
Susan1
9:47 pm on Friday, July 1, 2011
According to the phone message from the police that went out to residents, there were over 20 cars involved. Patch, can you please update us on the events of last night? This is very upsetting.
Joanne Smythe
10:42 pm on Friday, July 1, 2011
It's amazing how many people leave their houses dark at night. Turn on your outside lights people! You're not being energy conscious, you're being foolish.
sygetnospam
5:12 pm on Tuesday, July 26, 2011
My street is mostly dark except for my house and my neighbor across the street.
15W CFL bulb cost a few bucks a year if you leave it on 10 hr/night. Why would anyone not turn on their outside light at night is beyond me.
Georgeann duChossois
5:33 pm on Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I live on Old Short Hills Road and we have just been informed that all the residents on Old Short Hills Road (from Essex to Parsonage Hill) will have to park our cars on side streets overnight. I am very concerned that, in light of the rash of recent break-ins, we are being asked to put our cars on a dark side street - out of our sight or hearing. Would you want to be told that you have to move your car onto a side street overnight in the current climate? I know that the police have said that there will be an increased presence but so far that hasn't prevented these incidents. Is anyone else in the affected area concerned?
Noreen Brunini
5:41 pm on Tuesday, July 26, 2011
When Hobart Ave was repaved last week, residents were able to park their cars at home overnight; they just had to get them onto the sidestreet early (7ish) in the morning before crews came. I would hope you would be able to do that, maybe call police and ask?
Georgeann duChossois
6:40 pm on Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Thanks, Noreen. I definitely will. But I also hope, if others in the area have similar concerns, that they will speak up.