Two Cars Worth $130K Reported Stolen In Manalapan Recovered

MANALAPAN, NJ — Two cars with a total value of $130,000 were stolen recently in the township, but both have been recovered, police said

On July 1, a Jersey City resident, 33, reported that someone stole a vehicle, valued at approximately $90,000 from a driveway of a Champions Way residence.

The vehicle was located by the Newark Police Department.

On June 30, a Manalapan resident, 25, resident reported that someone stole a motor vehicle valued at approximately $40,000 from a Regency Way residence in Manalapan.

This vehicle was located by Paterson Police Department.

Both incidents are being investigated.

Car burglaries were also reported:

• On July 3 a Manalapan resident, 48, reported that someone entered an unlocked vehicle while it was parked at a Pension Hill Road residence and removed various items, valued at approximately $84.
• On July 2, a Manalapan resident, 39, reported that someone unsuccessfully attempted to enter multiple parked vehicles in the area of Pease Road.

Summer is prime time for car thieves, police said. Police around the area are noting July is designated as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

According to the National Highway Transportation Administration, in 2022, 1,001,967 vehicles were stolen in the United States. In comparison, 937,967 vehicles were stolen in 2021.

Nearly half of those thefts were due to keys left in a vehicle or a vehicle left running, statistics show.

Police said you can help prevent auto theft by keeping cars locked, taking the key fob and parking in a well-lit area. Don't leave valuables in the car.