Citing Car Thefts, Holmdel To Support Bail Reform Revisions

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Township Committee will consider a vote in support of state legislation revising certain bail reform provisions.

The vote on the resolution will take place at its meeting on Tuesday night, Feb. 14, according to the committee agenda.

The Holmdel resolution would "strongly support the immediate adoption of legislation to address the sudden increase of car thefts in our communities which will revise catch and release policies for car thefts," the resolution states.

"There has been a severe uptick of car thefts and brazen home invasions over the past year in the Township of Holmdel, which is a cause of great concern to our residents," the resolution states.

It adds that "public safety representatives account the surge in car thefts to revisions made to criminal laws in 2017 under the State’s Criminal Justice Reform program because people are usually released without bail if involved in a car theft and/or attempted car theft."

Meanwhile, the Howell Township Council has added its voice to those saying state bail reform laws have led to more crime - particularly car thefts - and have cost municipalities more money to deal with the problem.

The council recently voted to support Middletown Township's complaint to the State Council on Local Mandates, citing the increased rate of car thefts that have coincided with the 2017 state bail reform rules.

"It has become apparent that the increase in motor vehicle thefts and associated crimes coincides with the enactment of the New Jersey Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act in 2017," the resolution says.

The resolution cited statistics that motor vehicle thefts and associated crimes in Monmouth County have increased by roughly 40 percent in that period.

"The increase in motor vehicle thefts and associated crimes has resulted in municipalities increasing the resources needed to police, patrol, and investigate these crimes in order to keep citizens and their property safe," the resolution said, so it supports relief from the New Jersey Council on Local Mandates is to eliminate what it says has become "an unfunded mandate."

The Township Committee in Middletown in January passed a resolution authorizing its township attorney to file a complaint with the New Jersey Council on Local Mandates.

The complaint is an attempt to have the state of New Jersey reimburse Middletown for extra costs the town has incurred battling car thefts. Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said at the time he estimates Middletown has spent an additional $325,000 fighting car thefts and home burglaries.