Montclair Police reports multiple car thefts, break-ins and attempted thefts of vehicles in the past week.
September 13, 2023 (Plymouth Street): A 2022 Honda CRV was stolen from a driveway on Plymouth Street. Surveillance in the area depicted an unknown male lurking in the area at approximately 12:30AM.
September 15, 2023 (Highland Avenue): The resident reported that he was woken up by his daughter who is attending college in another state. His daughter informed him that she observed two suspects on their surveillance attempting to gain access to the two vehicles that were located on their property. The two vehicles involved were a 2019 Black BMW SUV and a 2022 White BMW SUV. One suspect was able to enter the Black BMW SUV due to it being left unlocked. In the camera footage, the suspect is seen rummaging through the middle console and the passenger side glove compartment, possibly looking for the keys for the vehicle. The second suspect can be seen attempting to gain access to the White BMW SUV but was unsuccessful. The two suspects fled north on Highland Avenue.
September 15, 2023 (Maple Avenue): The complainant reported that her vehicle was entered while parked in the vicinity of Glenfield School. A backpack containing her cellphone, bank cards, and her wallet was stolen.
September 18, 2023 (Cedar Avenue): The victim reported that he is an Uber driver and parked his 2023 Toyota Camry at Nishuane Park to use the rest room. The vehicle was left running. When he returned his vehicle was gone. There was no reported direction of flight.
September 19, 2023 (Willowdale Avenue): The victim reported that his 2022 Kia Sportage was stolen from his driveway. His wallet and cellphone were reportedly left inside the vehicle.
September 18, 2023 (Highland Avenue): The resident reported that when he woke up, he discovered that one of his vehicles, a 2022 Hyundai Ion was parked in the street after he was sure he parked in the driveway the previous night. Upon walking outside, he discovered his 2021 BMW X5 had been stolen from the driveway. Surveillance footage shows at 5:51AM, four suspects enter the driveway and check the BMW’s door handles. Three of the suspects then make their way around to the rear porch where they are captured on the exterior camera. The three suspects enter the house and take keys to both vehicles that were in the resident’s purse. At 6:02 AM, the suspects move the Hyundai Ion into the street (leaving the key fob on the ground next to the car) and then leave with the BMW.
A second resident on Highland Avenue reported that their home surveillance captured the same four individuals force their way through an electronic gate and approach three high end vehicles that were in their driveway. They attempted to make entry to the residence through a rear door but were unsuccessful.
The following additional activity has been reported by Montclair Police in their weekly blotter:
Assault
September 16, 2023 (Mission Street): The victim reported a dispute occurred between he and his neighbor that turned physical. The victim reported that he was “sucker punched” by his neighbor. Montclair EMS arrived on scene and treated the victim for facial injuries which consisted of lacerations and extreme swelling.
Arrests
September 14, 2023 (Valley Road): A 60-year-old male from Montclair was charged with Simple Assault following a dispute at the Quick-Check.
September 16, 2023 (Bloomfield Avenue): A 33-year-old male from Paterson was charged with Obstruction of Justice following a dispute at the MC Hotel.
September 16, 2023 (Valley Road): A 22-year-old male from Newark was charged with Theft and Hindering Apprehension after he was observed stealing a bicycle.