West Caldwell Police Can't Say It Enough: Lock Your Cars

Five out of six cars reported stolen to West Caldwell Police since Jan. 1 were left unlocked with keys inside, according to police.

The latest thefts were reported on Monday, April 8, at 11:30 p.m., on Taylor Drive, a quiet residential road. Homeowners reported an Acura and Cadillac Escalade, which were left unlocked, stolen from their driveways.

Police Chief Michael Bramhall said six car thefts by mid-April is trending high for the township.

A BMW, which was left running in a 7-Eleven parking lot on Bloomfield Avenue, was reported stolen in March.

In February, a Lexus was allegedly taken by a thief while it was left warming up in a driveway.

Near the Roseland border, a Whitaker Place resident reported her four-door Mercedes-Benz was stolen from her driveway in early January. The woman told police at the time she had started the car to warm it up and went back in the house. When she returned, she said it was gone.

In addition to the half-dozen stolen cars, items have been reported stolen from a dozen vehicles, most of which were left unlocked, Bramhall said.

Bramhall reminded residents to keep cars locked as a precaution.

Police are also asking residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Reports of unlocked stolen vehicles have been prevalent lately in the West Essex area, including North Caldwell and Fairfield.