6 Stolen Vehicles Recovered, 3 Arrested After Chatham Boro Thefts: PD

CHATHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Amid an increase in vehicle thefts and home burglaries in Chatham Borough, local police are working with state and county partners to track down those responsible, the police chief said.

The department hired two additional police officers, and assigned a dedicated officer to the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force. Borough police have also collaborated with neighboring departments to establish a Southeast Morris Auto Theft Task Force, Chief Brian K. Gibbons said.

Officials have charged three people after the theft of six motor vehicles out of the borough this year, said Gibbons. All six vehicles have been recovered, he added.

"Additionally, we have implemented hundreds of data-driven directed patrols, dozens of special enforcement details, mandatory overtime, locked patrol shifts, reassigned personnel to strategically address areas of concern, ordered pursuit spike strips to help disable suspect vehicles that refuse to stop, and more," he said.

Gibbons said Chatham detectives and the state police task force arrested two juveniles, who were found to be in possession of a vehicle stolen from Kimball Street. Another suspect was captured in Jersey City, and charged with the theft of three vehicles stolen from Commerce Street, Gibbons said.

Federal officials have also charged four other people for their roles in a multi-state stolen car conspiracy.

Gibbons also thanked residents for their diligence in keeping their vehicles locked and removing key fobs and valuables from inside, which he said "has played a crucial role in making it more difficult for suspects to carry out their unlawful activities."

The chief also updated residents on recent legislation aimed at addressing auto theft.

Click here to read the full news release from Chief Gibbons, and related news releases from the state Attorney General's office and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.