Police Increase Station Patrols After Carjacking

Police are working extra patrols and the township is looking into getting surveillance cameras at stations in response to Wednesday’s carjacking at the Short Hills Train Station.

And although some residents have called for a Town Meeting of some sort to address crime in the township, town leaders say police are doing all they can do and they do not think a Town Hall meeting it necessary at this point, and could serve to inflame fear or hysteria.

However, Millburn Mayor Sandy Haimoff said Friday that anyone who wants to discuss the issue or ask questions can come to the Township Committee's regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night.

“I want to reassure residents that we are taking this very seriously,” Mayor Haimoff said. “Police have been working for awhile with neighboring police departments to address the rash of crime and vehicle break-ins,” she said. “The latest incident is scary because there were firearms involved. But I can assure you the police are working dilligently on this investigation and working with other towns and agencies as well.” 

Working together, towns have made several arrests for incidents of stolen vehicles and break-ins.

“We’re particularly proud of the way in which we are approaching these types of crimes,” Police Chief Greg Weber said in a press release late Friday afternoon. “We are able to take advantage of advanced DNA testing, handled for us through the New Jersey State Police.  Both Millburn Police detectives and I have participated in high level discussions with our counterparts in towns adjacent to Millburn, as well as those along the Midtown Direct train line. We regularly communicate with New Jersey Transit officials.”

Police Spokesman Lt. Peter Eakley said that Millburn police are also working extra patrols. 

“As with all crimes, the department is taking this carjacking incident seriously. We are using all available resources and working with our partners in the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and other law enforcement agencies to investigate, find, and prosecute the perpetrators,” he said. 

In addition, police are patrolling both stations, to “ensure the public that Millburn is still a safe community, despite this unfortunate incident,” he said. “Furthermore, there are other crime-fighting efforts that we are conducting that might not be visible to the public.”

Mayor Haimoff said the police and the township committee can’t reveal all they are doing because they don’t want to tip their hand to criminals, but they are talking with NJ Transit officials about installing cameras at the stations or doing it themselves.

The mayor, whose own home was broken into during the summer of 2010 when criminals stole jewelry, says she understands residents' fear but does not want to escalate it by over-reacting. She urged residents to sign up for the township's Code Red or reverse 9-1-1 system, which the township has used to provide information about the vehicle break-ins, Hurricane Irene, and the snowstorm.

In the release, Weber added that the department is looking into technology upgrades, new equipment and specialized computer software to help fight crime.  “We’re close to making decisions for purchases that will enhance our abilities to locate, apprehend and arrest lawbreakers,” he said.

Eakely said that anyone with information concerning the carjacking or any other criminal activity should contact the Millburn Police Department Detective Bureau at (973) 564-7017.