'Car Theft Group' Hit Chester Thursday Morning, Police Say

CHESTER NJ — Five cars were stolen Thursday morning in the Chester area, and police are doubling down on reminders to lock your car.

Chester police said one car was taken from within their jurisdiction, and four more cars were stolen from "surrounding towns," but did not specify which towns.

Police say the thefts appear to be part of a "car theft group," a sentiment echoed by Parsippany police. "We continually patrol residential neighborhoods, but with 25 square miles we cannot be everywhere. These thefts are not localized to Parsippany. It is a region wide issue," police said.

"Evidence has shown that the thefts were connected and the investigation will continue," Chester police said.

They also added that taking the simple step of locking your car is enough to deter thieves. "From various homeowner's security cameras we have also learned that numerous additional vehicle theft attempts were unsuccessful due to the owner's diligence in securing them," police said.

Other Morris County towns have been targeted this week, too. Long Valley and Parsippany both reported several overnight cart thefts this week.