'Auto theft ring' steals cars in Harrington Park, Demarest, Closter

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STAFF REPORT
NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

*This article has been updated since it was first published to include additional information*

Three cars were stolen in Harrington Park on March 18 between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. from the residential neighborhood west of Lafayette Road, police said.

In Demarest, police there said four vehicles were stolen on March 10.

In Closter, a Maserati and a Porsche were stolen from two separate residents in the east section of the borough on March 19 between midnight and 6:30 a.m., Detective Keith Dombkowski said. Both vehicles were taken with the key FOBs.

The car thieves prowling the Northern Valley have a simple way to spot their targets, authorities say.

The side view mirrors on new high end cars will fold in when locked: This simple indicator is an invitation for criminals who are also utilizing advanced technology to detect key fobs left in vehicle, Harrington Park Police said in a warning message.

Harrington Park Police asked residents to share any surveillance from the neighborhood that includes Rugen Drive, Ehret Avenue, Ridge Road, Cooper Place, Martin Drive, Friend Terrace, Manor Road, Lincoln Terrace, Council Place, Brook Street and Riker Avenue.

Four additional unlocked vehicles were burglarized in Harrington Park, but were not stolen because the key fobs were not available, said Harrington Park Police Chief Albert Maalouf, in a statement. The thefts appear to be related to similar crimes around Bergen County in recent months, Maalouf said.

“We encourage all residents to lock their vehicles and remove any valuables when the vehicles are left unattended, and especially during the overnight hours,” said Maalouf. “We caution residents to be aware of their surroundings, and to report any activity which they deem suspicious.”

In the Closter case, “the Porsche was recovered early that morning in Newark. The Maserati was recovered the following night in Irvington,” said Dombkowski. “We are urging the residents to please lock their vehicles and do not leave the key FOBs in the vehicles.”

Demarest Police also request residents be on the lookout and report suspicious activity.

Harrington Park Police described the incidents as being perpetrated by an “auto theft ring.”

Police offered these tips to help protect your car from theft:

• Don’t leave your car unlocked

• Never leave your car running while unattended or unlocked

• Do not leave a spare key fob near your vehicle.

• Do not leave your key fob in your vehicle…. Ever

• Never leave your windows open

• Install an audible alarm system and a visible anti-theft device

• Consider installing a GPS tracking system in your vehicle.

• Don’t leave valuable personal property in your car.

• Install a camera system in your driveway that records.

• Always report suspicious activity. If you see something say something.