Surge In Car Thefts Reported In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are stepping up patrols after a recent surge in car thefts was reported this past weekend in Somerset County.

There were 3 cars stolen in Basking Ridge, 1 in Bernardsville and 3 in Warren this past weekend. Hunterdon County also had some cars stolen as well, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Spokesman Francis Roman said.

In Bernardsville, a Garibaldi Street resident said someone stole their 2020 Dodge Durango worth $67,000 from the driveway on Sunday morning. While at the home, Bernardsville Police also found a white Ford Explorer parked on the street that had been found to have been stolen out of Basking Ridge, Bernardsville Police Lt. John Reiman said.

In Warren, a Quail Run resident said that sometime on Sunday morning someone entered their unlocked car, opened the garage with the opener, went inside the home, and took the car keys for a 2018 Audi, 2016 Mercedes Benz and a 2018 Mercedes Benz, Warren Police Lt. Paul Dziedzic said.

The 2018 Audi and 2018 Mercedes Benz were later found in Newark, Dziedzic said.

The common denominator in all of the thefts — all of the cars were unlocked with the key fobs left inside.

Roman said authorities will be stepping up patrols and starting an awareness campaign to remind residents to lock their cars and remove any valuables from inside.

"It has been our experience that most criminals search for easy targets. Thus, by making it difficult for thieves it can either prevent the crime from occurring and/or buy enough time for suspects to be apprehended," Bernards Township Police Chief Michael Shimsky. "We urge our residents to lock their cars, remove the keys and valuables. Always be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, family members, and valuables."

Along with this weekend, several other cars were also stolen or burglarized in the area over the past few weeks.

On Oct. 13, two cars were stolen in Bernardsville. A Pheasant Hill Drive resident said their beige 2016 Audi A6 valued at about $19,000 had been stolen sometime overnight.

A Mount Harmony Road resident also reported that a blue 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee valued at about $25,000 had been stolen sometime around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 13.

Both vehicles were left unlocked and the keys were left inside. Neither vehicle has been found.

In Basking Ridge, a rash of car burglaries was reported on Sept. 30 with 12 unlocked cars targeted, according to Bernards Township Police Det. Lt. Jon Burger.

Two juveniles from the Bonnie Brae School were picked up by police and charges are pending in connection with the burglaries.

On Oct. 3, a Spencer Road resident said their 2019 Porsche, which had its door unlocked, had been entered and numerous items had been scattered around the car. A second resident reported that his 2014 Ford F-150 estimated to be worth $24,000.00 was stolen overnight, Burger said.

The resident reported that he left the vehicle unlocked, with his keys and wallet inside the truck. The truck was later found in Newark the following morning.

On Oct. 6, a resident Coddington Court reported the theft of their 2008 Lexus valued at $10,000.
The resident reported leaving the vehicle’s key fob inside the car and leaving the car unlocked. The vehicle was found in Newark the next day.

"It is important to lock vehicles and secure the keys in a secure place to prevent them from being stolen," said Remian.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact their local police department to report it.

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