WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—Following a night of multiple car and garage break-ins on six streets, local police issued a 9:38 a.m. Nixle alert Aug. 8 warning residents to lock cars, remove key fobs and contact them if they observe “any suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood.”
Woodcliff Lake Police Department Detective Sgt. Chad Malloy said residents should be mindful of not leaving car doors open, locking cars, removing key fobs and not leaving garage door openers in unsecured cars. He said no cars were stolen during the break-ins though several garages were entered.
“Unfortunately, it’s nothing new,” said Malloy, warning that thieves roam through neighborhoods and target any car they find open, stealing contents left inside and accessing garages if an opener is found.
“We just wanted to alert residents to be cognizant of not leaving cars open or fobs inside,” said Malloy of the Nixle alert.
He said thieves targeting open cars grab what they can when a car is unlocked, including the car if a key or key fob can be located.
“Please contact police if you see any suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood. We serve you 24/7 (and) no call is a waste of time. You never know if it will help prevent a crime,” noted the police Nixle alert.
Police departments around the region report recent car thefts and burglaries, with officers stating thieves will drive off with cars with keys left inside. Read more here.