Chester Police Report A Rise In Car Thefts And Burglaries In 2021, Versus 2020 And 2019

CHESTER, NJ — Car thefts and break-ins have been climbing throughout Morris County, with the Chester Police Department sharing their statistics showing the increase in Chester, since 2019.

According to a news release from the police department, the uptick has been in the summer months, with noticeable growth in 2021, versus 2019 and 2020.

“Numerous municipalities in Morris County and surrounding areas have noticed a substantial increase in motor vehicle thefts and burglaries in recent months,” the police department wrote. “Chester is no exception.”

The department reported the following statistics on car thefts and burglaries in Chester:

From June 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2019 - there were three car thefts and two burglaries
From June 1, 2020 to Sept. 1, 2020 - there were three car thefts and four burglaries
From June 1, 2021 to Sept. 1, 2021 - there were six car thefts and 21 burglaries

On July 24, the Chester Police Department received 14 different calls early that morning from residents in the Dogwood Acres neighborhood about car burglaries and thefts. That day, a resident reported that two of their cars were stolen - the keys still in the vehicles - with two unlocked and broken into. The cars were both found within 24 hours in Newark.

A few hours later, the remaining calls came in, with one car stolen and 17 other cars - all unlocked - burglarized. During the course of that series of calls to police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit found a Lexus that had been missing from Montville, abandoned in a Chester driveway.

In early September, noting the trend in car thefts and burglaries, including several attempts in Mendham, both Chester and Mendham Police Departments put out reminders to make sure residents remove keys, key fobs and valuables from their cars; and call 911 if they see suspicious happenings in their neighborhoods.

“Locking your vehicle and removing the key fob is often the best deterrent to prevent these occurrences,” Chester Police wrote after reporting their statistics to the public on Thursday. “Lock it or lose it.”

To dial Chester and Mendham Police Departments directly for any suspicious incidents or with information on any recent cases of auto theft or break-ins, call:

Chester Police - 908-879-5514
Mendham Borough Police - 973-543-2527
Mendham Township Police - 973-543-2581

RELATED: 14 Car Burglaries, Thefts Reported On Saturday To Chester Police
RELATED: Chester, Mendham Police Departments Remind Residents To Lock Cars

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.