Cranford Police Warns Community About Increase In Car Thefts

CRANFORD, NJ — Motor vehicle thefts have been rampant across New Jersey since the start of the pandemic, and Cranford is not immune to this crisis.

Cranford Police Department released an open letter to the township Wednesday, regarding the rise in car thefts and how the community can prevent more from happening.

According to the police, Cranford saw a total 34 vehicles stolen between Jan. of 2021 and March of 2022. During one of these incidents, a resident was nearly hit by the stolen vehicle as the thieves intentionally drove toward them to flee the scene of the crime.

"In Cranford, we can no longer assume that these events will only result in the theft of moveable property, especially when the suspects are willing to risk significantly injuring our residents in the process of stealing a car," Police wrote.

Last week, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police held a meeting to discuss the rise in auto thefts. Acting Attorney General Mathew Platkin ensured police that his office plans to provide local agencies with the tools and resources necessary to address this issue.

Cranford Police said, according to the Kelley Blue Book, vehicle shortages — due to the pandemic — have created a high demand for cars. Additionally, when vehicles are not locked by owners, car thefts become more commonplace.

A suburban community, like Cranford, can develop a reputation for having high-end vehicles and leaving those vehicles unlocked with the key fobs readily available. This "word on the street" can get out to criminals who can easily access the community through the local highways.

Police said these vehicles are also being stolen to be used while committing more violent crimes.

Cranford Police is working with local, county and state law enforcement agencies to combat car theft, and the department said residents can help in this effort by changing old routines and following these simple steps:

• Lock your vehicles, take your keys.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle and ensure your windows are closed.
• Place fobs in purses or in jacket pockets to avoid accidentally leaving them in vehicles.
• Never leave a vehicle idling for prolonged periods of time.
• If you see something suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately. Avoid taking matters into your own hands. The faster you call 9-1-1, the faster our officers may respond.
• Research if your vehicle has a tracking system that can be used to recover your vehicle if stolen and if so, determine how to immediately access this critical information after a theft.
• Always have your license plate and distinguishing characteristics of your vehicle (magnets, bumper stickers) readily available. Have current photos of your vehicle in your smartphone saved under “favorites”.
• If you receive Ring or Nest notifications about activity around your home, check these notifications immediately and alert police if you see actors walking up to vehicles or walking through your property – especially near driveways.

Cranford Police also uses various technological tools to track stolen vehicles entering and leaving the community. Police Chief Ryan J. Greco said they also rely heavily on residents' observations and home surveillance footage when conducting car theft investigations.

Residents who have a Ring, Nest, or surveillance system can visit the Cranford Police app and click on “CCC Program” to register their system with the Cranford Civilian Camera program.

"I continue to work closely with the Union County Police Chief’s Association to connect our municipal agencies with our partners in the Attorney General’s Office and the New Jersey State Police to help combat this growing trend," Greco wrote.

"We have voiced our frustration with some of the legislated changes to our statewide motor vehicle pursuit policy, bail reform, but most importantly, municipal law enforcement agencies not having a seat at the table during legislative decision-making."

The full letter to the community can be viewed here.

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