Rising Auto Theft Rates in South Jersey Prompt Police Action
Law enforcement agencies in South Jersey are alerting residents to a significant rise in automobile thefts and break-ins. The situation has prompted officers to discuss new preventive measures to combat these issues and ensure community safety.
In Washington Township, Gloucester County, an alarming incident caught on video shows suspects leaving a moving vehicle, jumping into another car, and speeding off, abandoning a Jeep to crash. Police officials are urging residents to lock their vehicles and homes and light up their properties during night hours. “Lock your car doors, turn on your lights at nighttime. Lock your house doors, your fence gates. If you see something, say something call us right away,” advised Chief of Police Patrick Gurcsik.
Similar incidents are occurring in various towns, with individuals targeting neighborhoods for unlocked cars. The activity recently triggered a vehicular chase with stolen cars in Mantua. East Greenwich Township Police Chief Matthew Brenner, also a leader in regional police associations, remarked, “We are seeing actors coming into residential areas and checking for unlocked doors.”
Despite the National Insurance Crime Bureau reporting historic lows in national vehicle thefts by 2025, the issue persists in New Jersey, where nearly 3,000 car thefts have already been recorded this year according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
To address the rising threat in South Jersey, police are advocating community vigilance and basic safety measures. A local resident expressed newfound awareness, stating, “It’s making me aware to lock my door because I never lock my door.”
Community Cooperation in Combating Car Theft
In Deptford, authorities are implementing strategies like intensified neighborhood patrols during nighttime, in collaboration with various law enforcement bodies. Community cooperation is emphasized as crucial. “Make it tough. Make it difficult. Lock your car, remove your keys, remove your fobs, turn your lights on—your house lights on. If you have cameras it’s even better, but just make it a little tough and we think they will move on,” advised Sgt. Robert Jones from the Deptford Police.
This report was adapted from NBC Philadelphia's original broadcast coverage.