Shoplifting Increase Within Chester Prompts Police Warning

CHESTER, NJ — The township police department has publicly highlighted an ongoing increase in both shoplifting and burglary crimes within the boundaries of Chester Township.

Police detective lieutenant Christopher Cavanagh stated that the department is making a greater effort to release more information on these types of crimes within the community in order to raise awareness.

During the Jan. 17 township council meeting, police chief Ryan McNamee spoke about this effort in greater detail, saying that effective public safety relies on the strong bond and relationship between the public and the police.

Most recently, the police announced that they were investigating a shoplifter who stole from an Ulta Beauty Store within the area.

"Our biggest problem that we are experiencing and have been experiencing ever since COVID is spikes in shoplifting, fraud and other internet crimes, which we are aggressively investigating and have made quite a few arrests," McNamee said.

While the police have previously increased their patrol unit's focus on residential coverage in the community, McNamee stated that, unlike surrounding communities, the township is not currently experiencing a "rash" of burglaries or car thefts.

McNamee did say that this month there was an attempted vehicle theft from a residential garage, which police are investigating.

Residents are urged to help by first locking and securing their vehicles and homes. According to the police, the majority of these crimes are opportunity crimes in which the wrongdoer does as little as possible and takes advantage of unsecured property.

'My advice, and what we have been pushing, if you see something, say something. No matter how trivial you think it is, the fast you get us the information, the fast we will get there and the more it will benefit us," McNamee said.