Several Unattended Cars Burglarized In Gloucester Township: Cops

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police said they are investigating several reports of cars that were stolen from the front of convenience stores recently. All the stolen cars were left running and unattended, Gloucester Township police said this week.

“Criminals looking for a quick, free ride are hanging around these stores waiting for the opportunity to steal your vehicle,” police said in a social media post. “Don't give it to them.”

Not only is this an invitation to car thieves, it’s also illegal, police said.

New Jersey Statute 39:4-53: Leaving your Engine Running and Unoccupied states that, “a person who leaves a motor vehicle, with its engine running, stationary on the highway and unoccupied by a person able to control it, and without setting the hand brake in such manner as to prevent the vehicle from moving, shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $25 for each offense.”

The law is meant to prevent the recklessness and public danger that generally come with stolen vehicles, police said. People do leave their car running, though, often telling police, "I only ran into the store for a minute" or "My car was cold, I wanted to warm it up."

“Bottom line: don't leave your vehicle with the motor running,” police said. “A vehicle left unattended and with the motor running is an open invitation to a thief, unless you have auto start that doesn't allow a thief to drive off in it.”