MPD: Residents, visitors lock your cars
By JAIMIE JULIA WINTERS
winters@montclairlocal.news
Montclair is experiencing an uptick in car break-ins and car thefts, with most of those vehicles left unlocked, according to Montclair Police Officials.
In the incidents of theft from motor vehicles, the valuables were left in plain sight.
“We have been experiencing an increase in thefts from motor vehicles across the township,” police said.
Most recently, approximately $500 in items were stolen from an unlocked Dodge Ram parked overnight on Harrison Street, and a wallet and cellphone was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on Pleasant Avenue. In May, thieves stole wallets from unlocked vehicles on Bellaire and James Street.
Police are now reminding residents and visitors to lock their vehicles while unattended, and advising against storing valuables in the passenger compartment of vehicles.
In almost every reported incident, the vehicle targeted had been left unlocked, police said.
"Also, never store a key or remote key fob inside your vehicle," police said.
Recent car thefts include:
- On June 23, a 2018 Subaru Outback was stolen from Alden Road and recovered hours later on Monroe Place, parked and unoccupied.
- On June 21, a 2013 Volkswagen Passat was stolen from Woodmont Road.
- On June 11, a 2017 silver Toyota Highlander was stolen from outside a Label Street business.
- On May 15, a 2010 Ford Edge was taken from the driveway of a New Street home.
- On May 19, a 2016 Toyota Highlander was taken from a residential driveway on North Fullerton Avenue.
Please contact the police department immediately should you observe anything unusual at 973-744-1234.