'Smash And Grab' Burglars Target Vehicles In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Washington Township police are urging residents to be alert and not leave items visible in their vehicles after a "smash and grab" car burglary was reported last night in the township.

Washington Township police, in a post on the department's Facebook page, said that on Tuesday evening around 5:39 p.m., patrol responded to a smash-and-grab burglary of a motor vehicle at Palmer Park.

Lt. Chris Bratus said that the victim's purse was stolen from the vehicle.

According to the police, no arrests have been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.

"While this investigation is ongoing, we ask residents to please be diligent in taking all of their valuables, specifically purses, laptops and key fobs, out of their vehicles at all times," police said.

Officials say smash-and-grab burglaries have become all too common in New Jersey, particularly in Morris County. According to Bratus, crews take advantage of targets of opportunity and target vehicles in parking areas of public parks, gyms and recreation areas all over the state.