Nutley Sees Spike In Car Thefts; Police Increase Patrols

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley public safety officials issued an advisory for local residents last week after police saw a spike in car thefts.

Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said that stolen vehicles have been reported within the past few weeks on Elm Place and Laura, Park and Hancox avenues.

Although at least three people were already charged, two additional thefts this week may be from different suspects, Strumolo said.

He added that the township also saw thefts from unlocked motor vehicles on River Road, Funston Place, Park Avenue, Chadwick Drive and Renner Avenue.

“We have increased patrols and are working with neighboring jurisdictions experiencing similar thefts,” Strumolo said.

Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco urged residents to lock their vehicles to help prevent future thefts.

According to the Nutley Police Department, the following incidents were recently reported in the township:

Oct. 4 – Theft from Motor Vehicle, Chadwick Drive – “Response was made to the area in regards to theft from motor vehicle. The victim stated they returned to their vehicle and found contents missing including their house key, vehicle key and a bank envelope with cash in it. The vehicle was left unlocked when parked.”

Oct. 4 – Motor Vehicle Theft, Walnut Street – “Officers responded to the area in regards to a stolen masonry dump truck taken from its assigned parking space. The vehicle was left locked when parked and upon return the truck was no longer there. Officers observed broken glass in the area indicating the passenger side window was shattered. The truck is described as red with blue writing on the sides. Tools that were located within the vehicle were reported missing. The description of the truck was reported to all surrounding agencies.”

Oct. 4 – Theft from Motor Vehicle, Renner Avenue – “Response was made to the area in regards to theft from vehicle. The victim stated that they believed someone entered their vehicle while it was left in the driveway. The vehicle was left unsecure and upon return the glove compartment was found opened.”

Oct. 6 – Motor Vehicle Theft, Hancox Avenue – “Detectives were dispatched to the area in regards to a stolen motor vehicle. The victim stated that they parked their Subaru in their driveway and left the key fob inside the vehicle. When they returned to the vehicle, they found it missing and their other vehicle rummaged through. The actors were described as wearing shorts, and dark colored hooded sweatshirts and were seen entering the Acura. Surrounding towns were advised of the theft and shortly thereafter the vehicle was found in the City of Newark.”

Oct. 8 – Theft from Vehicle, Chadwick Drive – “Response was made to the area in regards to a theft from vehicle. The victim stated that when they returned to their vehicle, they found the contents of one of the compartments thrown around the vehicle, and a key chain missing.”

Oct. 8 – Burglary, River Road – “Headquarters received a call regarding trespassers on a property attempting to enter vehicles. Upon arrival the three parties were found hiding in the area. The suspects were apprehended and identified as juveniles who were charged as follows: 17- year-old was charged with Obstruction and Harassment; 16-year-old was charged with Obstruction; 15-year-old was charged with Burglary and Obstruction. All juveniles were released to their parents.”

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