“Gone are the days of leaving your car doors open and finding everything intact when you return.”
—Hillsdale Police Capt. Sean Smith
PASCACK VALLEY—A Hillsdale man suspected in recent area burglaries faces charges after police say he made off with a 2015 Honda Accord its owner left running in a Hillsdale commuter lot Thursday night, leading police on a high-speed chase through Ho-Ho-Kus and into the Township of Washington before crashing into a township utility pole.
Police said the alleged thief, 22, tried to flee on foot after striking the pole at Clinton Avenue and Washington Avenue, near the firehouse, but he didn’t get far before Ho-Ho-Kus police apprehended him.
The suspect was taken to New Bridge Medical Center for treatment of a minor head injury he sustained in the crash, police said.
According to Hillsdale Police Capt. Sean Smith, the Honda’s owner reported her car stolen shortly after 7:30 p.m. She reported she had left her car
running and unattended for 10 minutes, and then it was gone.
A Ho-Ho-Kus patrol officer was in pursuit of the Honda within minutes of hearing of the theft over the radio.
Officers from the police departments of Hillsdale, Paramus, Ridgewood, Westwood, and the Township of Washington were observed aiding Ho-Ho-Kus police at the scene.
Smith told Pascack Press on Dec. 28 that Hillsdale police would charge the suspect with unlawful taking of movable property, a third-degree crime. He said Ho-Ho-Kus police likely would press additional charges.
Smith said car burglaries continue to plague Pascack Valley towns and that owners generally can do more to prevent them.
“Gone are the days of leaving your car doors open and finding everything intact when you return,” he said.
He added, “Everyone should be vigilant, and the closer you live to a major highway or parkway, the more susceptible you are to crime.”
Moreover, he said, “Don’t give thieves the opportunity, and if you see something in your neighborhood that seems suspicious, say something.”
On Dec. 22, Hillsdale police said two cars were stolen from residents’ driveways. The department urged residents to “double check and make sure that you and your family members are removing key fobs from vehicles and locking your cars.”
The department added, “Car thieves are getting smarter to newer cars and are noticing things like your mirrors not folding in to know that your vehicle is unlocked. Help us help you keep your vehicles and personal items safe.”
The Woodcliff Lake Police Department advised Dec. 22, “Crime Alert! Area car thefts and burglaries during overnight hours. Take the extra time to lock your vehicles, remove all valuables, and always remove key fobs. If you suspect any suspicious activity overnight call police immediately.”
— Staff report