Lock It or Lose It: Morris Officials Warn Residents Amid Surge in Auto Thefts

As vehicle thefts peak in July, local authorities emphasize securing vehicles, removing key fobs, and reporting suspicious activities.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morris County Police Chiefs Association President Ross Johnson have jointly issued a reminder to residents to lock their vehicles and remove key fobs. The reminder comes as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month is observed in July, a month that has historically seen a peak in auto thefts across the county.

While the law enforcement efforts have been effective, with a 49.35% decrease in auto thefts in the county compared to the same period last year, officials stress the need for continued citizen cooperation. Removing all fobs and valuables from their cars, even when parked in the driveway or inside the garage, can substantially reduce theft opportunities.

Several law enforcement units, including the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Intelligence Unit, Morris County Auto Theft Task Force, and Morris County Sheriff's Trends and Analysis Team (MCSTAT), have been diligently working to tackle the issue of organized theft of unsecured vehicles.

Data indicates that 72% of vehicles stolen in Morris County so far in 2023 were left unlocked. Hotspot municipalities include Parsippany, Morris Township, Montville, Morristown, and Mountain Lakes, with popular vehicle targets being BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, and Honda.

Recent criminal activities have escalated to using unsecured vehicles to commit burglaries and home invasions, raising the risk of confrontation with homeowners. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities caught on their personal surveillance cameras to the local police department, as it could potentially assist with solving other theft cases.

"We implore residents not to allow criminals to take advantage of their forgetfulness – get into the routine of taking your fob with you when you park. Alarmingly, there have been instances of thieves using garage door openers to access homes, potentially setting up a confrontation with residents,” said Morris County Prosecutor Carroll.

Sheriff Gannon added that the Morris County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently to ensure everyone’s safety and that their property is secure. He urged citizens to be mindful of this crime trend and be vigilant in securing their vehicles.

Morris County Police Chiefs Association President Johnson also emphasized that making vehicles inaccessible is the greatest deterrent to would-be thieves.

As part of their efforts, law enforcement agencies have implemented strategies such as utilizing Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) at key locations in Morris County and across New Jersey. This technology aids in disrupting organized criminal auto theft activity and is used following the guidelines set by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

Law enforcement agencies urge the public to do their part by securing their homes, garages, and motor vehicles to prevent these crimes.