Surveillance video shows cars being broken into in a Wenonah neighborhood on the night of Nov. 21 and into the following day.
Mantua police and the township committee are urging residents to lock their car doors and not leave valuables inside, including keys or fobs.
The warnings come on the heels of a string of vehicle thefts in a Wenonah neighborhood – the borough is policed by Mantua officers – on Nov. 21 and into the following day. Four unlocked vehicles with keys inside were stolen, though three were recovered: one in Wenonah and two in Camden.
“We are aware of the problem and we are working on it,” said Capt. Bill Murphy. “We have stepped up our patrols and our (officers) on midnights have been conducting what we call added patrols, targeting specific neighborhoods …”
The suspects have not been identified but are presumed to be from out of town. The thefts have also been an issue in other Gloucester County municipalities.
Police are advising residents to be careful when securing their vehicles.
“We’re asking everybody to just make sure when you settle in for the night to lock your cars,” said Murphy, “Do not keep the keys inside the cars and do not keep any fobs or garage-door openers in your car that would give somebody access to your home.”
Police said the suspects don’t need to break the windows of vehicles that have keys or other valuables inside, describing the thefts as “crimes of opportunity”.
“They’re just pulling on the door handle to see which cars are unlocked,” Murphy explained. “If they’re unlocked, they’re getting in and taking valuables. If someone leaves their keys in their car, they are taking the car.”
Anyone with information, surveillance video or Ring footage related to the thefts should contact Det. Sgt. Robert Layton at RHLayton@mantuatownship.com. Residents are encouraged to dial 911 if they spot suspicious activity.
Mayor Robert Zimmerman brought further attention to the issue with a video posted to the township’s Facebook page.
“The moral of the story here is lock your cars, keep your belongings out of your car and don’t leave keys or key fobs in the car to make yourself more vulnerable,” he warned. “Do not take matters into your own hands. We have a police department that is addressing this matter proactively, as are the rest of the police departments around the county.”
