BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
WESTWOOD, N.J.—Police Chief Michael Pontillo has released a photo of a sedan that officers say might be connected to a brazen three smash-and-grabs during Berkeley Elementary School’s first Walk-a-Thon at Westvale Park.
Purses and a wallet left in plain sight were stolen.
The suspected vehicle is though to be a four-door black Volkswagen Jetta or Passat that was photographed at the scene.
The break-ins occurred Sunday, March 31 between 1:21 and 1:31 p.m., police said. A school dad who had walked in the event was the first to report the crime.
Police urge anyone with information to report it with the assurance of confidentiality to the Detective Bureau at (201) 664-7008 or tips@westwoodnj.gov.
Students and their families flocked to the “Move and Groove” fundraiser, which offered music, games, activities, food, and drinks. It was not a school-sponsored event.
Its flyer said “Participants will walk the track with fun stops and activities along the way. Prizes and awards will be given for the laps completed (for those who register).”
Photos Mayor John Birkner Jr. and others posted later that day showed smashed glass and scratched paint.
“This happened in broad daylight while families were in the park for a school event. This can happen anywhere at any time, and today it happened in Westwood,” posted Councilmember Jodi Murphy.
“To the residents affected, I am so sorry this happened to you. You should be able to spend an afternoon in the park with your family without having to worry that someone will break in to your vehicle,” she added.
Residents responded in a mixture of sadness and anger, with scores of comments and shares.
One resident replied, “Unbelievable. The lesson here is don’t leave valuables in your car. Scary, especially during something that was meant for FUN!”
