Safety Concerns Raised At Madison Council Meeting 

MADISON, NJ — As car thefts and vehicle crime continue to plague New Jersey, a resident of Independence Court in Madison addressed the Madison Council on Monday night.

During this week's Borough Council meeting, resident Michael Martinez spoke to the council, recounting the incident and urging the council to advocate for tougher crime-fighting policies.

Martinez, of Independence Court, was at home with his wife and three children when their home security system alerted them to two men entering the house through an unlocked door at 4:36 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2.

The suspects would flee the home within six seconds of the alarm sounding, preventing what Police Chief John Miscia described as a "highly dangerous situation for the residents" in a Sept. 3 statement.

"The paralyzing fear, the difficult decisions and bad thoughts running through my head in those moments are still difficult to fully articulate and I pray that no other family in Madison bears that burden anytime soon," Martinez said.

According to police, there is a new criminal trend in Morris County, as evidenced by recent cases. Thieves are now breaking into homes through unlocked doors or windows and, in some cases, forcing their way inside in search of vehicle keys.

The Madison Borough Police Department has previously issued warnings, reminding residents to be cautious when leaving their cars parked and to make sure all their entryways are locked.

Martinez then asked the council how they intend to address the growing problem, stating that the local government plays an important role in keeping the community safe.

"My view, frankly, is that no one is sufficiently carrying their load. The core of the problem in my view is psychology 101. You reward good behavior so it continues and you punish bad behavior so it stops. These criminals face no meaningful consequences and they have no fear," Martinez said.

Sens. Richard Codey (D-27) and Anthony Bucco (D-25) held a news conference earlier this August to introduce bipartisan legislation that they say will give law enforcement new tools to combat "an epidemic of car thefts, often organized by gangs that prey on at-risk juveniles."

The proposed bill would expand penalties for those stealing or receiving vehicles, as well as those who recruit juveniles to do so.

Martinez expressed disappointment in all elected leaders' lack of outrage, claiming that "it's only a matter of time before something really awful happens."

In response to Martinez's question, Mayor Bob Conley stated, "you made some very strong points, and I've already had conversations with the Chathams and Morris Township as a united front, and working with our representatives in Trenton to strengthen things."

The Madison Borough Police Department advises residents to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables, key fobs, and garage door openers from their vehicles when they arrive home and store them inside their homes.