Crime Decline In Chatham Credited To Community Policing

CHATHAM, NJ — Car crime is down in Chatham, and Captain Ralph Colatrella says that it is in part due to the efforts of both the police department and the community.

Chatham Borough Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz announced last month that the borough would now be holding quarterly public workshops. Last week, representatives from various borough departments, including police, administration and public works, spoke to the community about their past accomplishments and future plans.

During the police presentation, which was led by Colatrella, the borough's history with car thefts was discussed, an issue that became more prominent last year.

In a positive turn of events, the borough is currently experiencing a decrease in criminal activity, particularly vehicle crime. In the past three months, there has only been one vehicle stolen out of the borough, which occurred in March at a Dunkin' Donuts parking lot.

Colatrella said that in that case, the car was left running with the keys inside.

"We are at all-time low numbers," Colatrella said.

According to a report released by members of the Chatham Borough Police Department last spring, Chatham accounted for roughly 24 percent of all stolen cars in Morris County.

As a way to try to reduce that figure, police in the borough have been working to reduce the odds in the past year, as communities throughout Morris County and New Jersey have seen an increase in vehicle thefts.

One of the main tactics used by police has been community collaboration and education on how to protect themselves and their vehicles.

"It's a joint effort with the community. We can't do it without them. It's the training and the education, where everyone works together because we have to work together; otherwise, it's really difficult for us. We have had that cooperation with the community, which is why the numbers are where they are," Colatrella said.

According to the police, Main Street is the primary location for stolen motor vehicles, accounting for approximately 40 percent of all cars stolen in 2022.

Residents are reminded to never leave their vehicles running and to remove their keys when leaving their vehicles.