Car 'Pests' Try To Get Into Two Locked Cars In Manalapan

MANALAPAN, NJ — Two unknown men tried to open two cars that were parked in the driveway of a Sandpiper Drive residence, the owner reported to police on Jan. 2.

But both vehicles were locked and no items were removed by what have become called auto "pests," among some local town officials. Those are potential car thieves who trespass on property to test if cars are unlocked.

So far Marlboro and Holmdel have passed local ordinances that would levy local fines and jail time if someone were charged with that activity.

Police remind residents to always keep cars locked and secure your key fob.

The incident is being investigated.

Police reported both thefts and frauds in a weekly report of incidents:

• An Old Bridge resident reported that someone stole approximately $1,400 worth of items from Jode Plaza, 193 Route 9 in Manalapan, sometime between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2.
• Employees of P.C. Richard & Son, 55 Route 9 South in Manalapan, reported that a customer shoplifted approximately $200 worth of merchandise from the business and then fled the area operating a Red Ford Fiesta.
• A Manalapan resident reported that someone used their credit card information to make an online purchase in the amount of $1,171.81.
• Another Manalapan resident reported that someone defrauded him of $4,000 via the internet.

All incidents are being investigated.