'Hybrid' Patrol Plan Latest Tool To Combat Marlboro Car Thefts

MARLBORO, NJ — A new initiative to prevent auto thefts will put "more ears and eyes" on township roads, especially overnight, Mayor Jonathan Hornik said.

Hornik has announced implementation of a "hybrid" initiative, adding both more police officers and non-police personnel at strategic locations - and at strategic times - throughout the township.

“We always look to do more and think outside the box to accomplish our programs in the most effective way possible,” Hornik said in making the announcement Wednesday.

“While vehicle thefts are down 32 percent in Marlboro compared to last year, we will continue to introduce new initiatives to further reduce these types of incidents. In addition to all we’ve done thus far, we’re going to continue put more resources into driving this element out of our town,” he said.

He said the newest tool in what he called the Marlboro Auto Theft Task Force toolbox will combine more police officers on the overnight shifts, adding both "stationary and roving non-police personnel at strategic locations and times" throughout town. They would be partners to law enforcement, according to the plan, the township said.

Specifics about how many non-police personnel will be used to supplement patrols - and how they would be assigned - are not being released, Police Chief Peter Pezullo said in response to questions.

“The details of the program are not public due to the need to maintain public safety and preserve the integrity and overall effectiveness of the initiative," he said Wednesday.

Hornik explained how new analysis performed by the Police Department in town helped develop the concept.

“The Division of Police has ramped up its data analytics to narrow down and focus resources on areas where auto theft is more likely to occur. You hear about the use of ‘CompStat’ in big cities in the country, and we’re employing these techniques here in Marlboro,” he said.

“Using this data, we will also be employing additional patrol resources in the field, and where the data tells us auto theft is most likely to occur," he added.

According to Chief Pezzullo, no specifics will be released about the specific patrol areas.

“In a town that is 30-plus square miles, expanding our footprint on the overnights is necessary, and as we have said before, the hardworking men and women of Marlboro Police cannot do it alone," he said.

"Communication from our residents has been integral to our success thus far. Additional resources on the road will serve as more eyes and ears for our law enforcement personnel, and we believe will also provide an important deterrent effect,” said Pezzullo.

“Here is the message to the criminals: We are going to be watching you with many more eyes on the street – and we’re going to catch you,” he said.

Hornik summarized the many fronts the township established in response to what had been a rising auto theft trend in the state:

• Hornik’s "See Something. Say Something. We Will Do Something." initiative was launched in Marlboro in 2018 in response to school shootings throughout the country.
• In March, 2022 this program was expanded to include home and vehicle safety due to the uptick of vehicle thefts.
• Marlboro, in the fall of 2022, was the first municipality in the state to adopt a local ordinance to maximize fines and require arrest warrants for those who trespass on property to commit crimes.
• The Township Tool Kit to combat auto thefts has continued to expand.
• Enhanced police patrols focus resources on targeted areas.
• Hornik’s budget included the hiring of an additional police officer for a long-term assignment to the New Jersey Auto Theft Task Force to focus efforts at the root of the problem at the state level.
• A police/community partnership with the Neighbors' Ring Door Bell app was established to facilitate electronic communication between residents and police.

Hornik also cited township involvement at the state level, including his lobbying Gov. Murphy and state leaders to "reverse course and allow local police to engage in stolen vehicle pursuits."

According to a statement this July from the Governor's Office, "Auto theft measures taken in the last year have proven to be successful, resulting in a 10 percent decrease in auto thefts from January through May of this year compared to that same period last year, and a 10 percent decrease in auto thefts for the last four months of 2022 compared to those same months in 2021."

But Hornik noted that auto thefts persist.

“Our police continue to make arrests of those attempting to steal vehicles, and I am proud of the determination of our officers to keep our community safe. 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.”

The town’s safety initiative Tool Kit is linked at the top of the township website at www.marlboro-nj.gov.

Residents are urged to register for township emails and texts to receive safety updates. Residents also are urged to continue to lock their car door, take the fob and remove valuables from the car, the township advises.

“My appreciation and thanks to the Marlboro Township Police Department, Chief Pezzullo and the residents for doing their part to fight vehicle theft in Marlboro,” Hornik said.