BMWs Targeted In New Car Theft Trend: Marlboro Police

MARLBORO, NJ — Police Chief Peter J. Pezzullo has alerted the community to a holiday trend in car thefts - the targeting of BMW X series cars.

He said that during the last two weeks, the township has seen an increase in attempted motor vehicle thefts and residential burglaries to obtain key fobs.

"This trend is predicted to continue throughout the holiday season," Pezzullo said in a social media post to residents.

He said specific information from the state indicates that a majority of the vehicles being targeted are BMW X series.

He said the Marlboro Police Department "will be making every effort to address the issue through proactive patrol measures."

Reports from other towns indicate there is reason to take extra precautions.

Over the Christmas weekend in Wall, thieves entered a home and stole the key fob to a locked BMW that was parked in the homeowner's driveway. The owners were asleep and the car was stolen.

Pezzullo said all residents are reminded to lock vehicles, take the key fobs inside - and secure their homes and set burglar alarms every night.

Residents should continue to remain vigilant, and to report suspicious activity immediately to the police.

Marlboro police and the governing body have taken many steps to combat car thefts and the rates of thefts have declined, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik has noted. Last month, free car steering wheel locks were given to residents who requested them, for example.

“We have announced more initiatives than any other town to stop vehicle theft and it is working," said Hornik.

He said Marlboro had no vehicle thefts during the months of August and September and thefts are down 32 percent compared to the same period last year.

"While the incidents have gone down year over year, we are not resting until all vehicle thefts are eliminated. We remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our families and neighborhoods secure, and the hard work is making a difference,” Hornik said of efforts by the township and residents.

Marlboro's safety initiative Tool Kit is linked at the top of the township website at www.marlboro-nj.gov. The "See something. Say something. We will do something." initiative is explained on the website too.