Hoboken Police: 7 Vehicles Have Been Stolen While Running In 2021

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken police have a message for local businesses and residents: Leaving your car running unoccupied is not only against the law, it's resulted in seven car thefts so far in 2021.

"It should go without saying," police said Monday, "this seemingly harmless routine of leaving your vehicle running and unattended poses a public safety issue. Leaving your vehicle running is a violation of New Jersey Statute 39:4-53 (Leaving your Engine Running and Unoccupied)."

Police said it's dangerous because "a car thief ... subsequently operates the vehicle at high speed and individuals can potentially sustain an injury from crashes involving stolen cars."

They noted, "We have had 7 vehicles stolen as a result of the owner/operators leaving their vehicle unoccupied and running. We have perpetrators out there actively looking for vehicles running ...The reason being, it is almost impossible to steal a vehicle without keys. This is due to technology and chipped keys."

Police sent the message in light of a car theft on April 26, a Saturday, shortly after 8 a.m.

They said that the owner of a 2012 Kia Van reported his vehicle stolen from the area of Third and Jackson streets. The man said his employee was using his van and left it running and unoccupied.

"The employee ran into a local business for a few minutes and when he returned, the vehicle was gone," police said. "Moments later, Police Officer Joshua Campoverde located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of First and Monroe streets. The employee responded to the vehicle and only found his wallet missing."

The investigation was assigned to Detective Fabian Quinones, who was able to identify a suspect with the help of Police Officer Daniel Grossi, police said.

The suspect was identified as Freddy A. Mauricio, 37, from Bayonne. Last Monday, Det. Sgt. William Collins and Quinones located and arrested Mauricio.

He was charged with theft and unlawful taking of means of conveyance.

Mauricio was taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

Stolen cars are used in other crimes

"Stolen cars can be used in the commission of other crimes in order to avoid identification," noted police. "Law Enforcement Officers encountering stolen vehicle(s) may have to engage in a pursuit, putting others and the officer’s lives in danger."

They said, "To be clear, it remains the responsibility of the owner/operator to turn off their vehicle, lock the doors and take their keys with them. Please help us keep our city streets safe."

As an example of a stolen car being used for a crime, Westfield police last month said that three suspects in a Newark murder were also charged in having stolen a car in Westfield the night before.

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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