2 Cars Worth $250K Stolen From Manalapan Home

MANALAPAN, NJ — Two cars estimated to be worth $250,000 were stolen from a house in Manalapan on Sunday, Dec. 11, police here reported.

A 45-year-old Manalapan resident told police that someone entered the family's Monkton Road residence through an "unsecured door" and removed a purse, as well as the keys to two vehicles.

It is estimated to have happened at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 11, police said.

The thieves then stole the vehicles, valued at approximately $250,000, according to police.

Patrolman Michael DeCristofaro handled the report. The matter is under investigation.

Towns around the area are all dealing with a wave of car thefts.

Some have responded with local ordinances that can enforce trespassing measures.

Holmdel just adopted the Motor Vehicle Protection Regulations ordinance that makes it illegal in Holmdel to "enter or remain on any driveway, paved surface, or location within 20 feet of a stationary motor vehicle, knowing that he or she is not licensed or privileged to enter or remain in said location.

It also would make illegal committing any of the following acts in Holmdel:

• Peering into a window of a motor vehicle that the person does not own or have license or privilege to possess.
• Pulling a door handle or taking an action in an attempt to open or unlock a motor vehicle that the person does not own or have license or privilege to possess
• Possessing an electronic device that is capable of determining if an electronic key is located inside a motor vehicle.

Marlboro Township recently adopted a local ordinance that would similarly impose local fines and potential jail time for those trespassing to even touch cars that are not their property.

And at the state level, Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this month proposed stronger penalties for car theft.

Locally, state Sen. Vin Gopal, who represents parts of Monmouth County, introduced a bill package targeting the car theft epidemic.

His legislation proposed Thursday responds to current bail reform laws, and would keep someone charged with carjacking, car theft or burglary in jail until trial, if that suspect already has a prior conviction or a pending charge for one of those crimes.

New Jersey officials reported 14,320 car thefts in 2021 — a 22 percent increase over the prior year. So far this year, 13,849 vehicle thefts have been reported, according to State Police.

The state has made progress in preventing car thefts, according to Murphy. Auto thefts in September fell 12 percent from September 2021 and decreased 12 percent in October, compared to that time last year.

Police departments around the county regularly remind residents to lock their cars, take their key fobs with them and secure their home, as well.