'Car Theft Group' Targeting Morris County This Week

CHESTER, NJ — Multiple cars have been stolen across Morris County this week, and several police departments are reminding residents to always lock their car doors.

Five cars were stolen Thursday morning in the Chester area, two were stolen in Long Valley and Parsippany, and one was stolen in Hanover, police in those jurisdictions said.

The thefts all follow a similar pattern: they are all unlocked with the keys inside of them, and all of the thefts happen in the overnight hours.

Chester 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.

Police have stressed 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," Chester police said.

Randolph police, which did not report any thefts, are reminding residents to always take valuables from their cars before locking up for the night, and suggest the 9 p.m. routine.

The idea behind the 9 p.m. routine is simple: at 9 p.m., double check to make sure your car is locked, you've grabbed anything important, and lock up your front door.

Randolph police say they "suggest residents set a 9 pm alarm on their cell phone as a reminder to lock their vehicle."

Hanover Police had some slightly unorthodox advice: listen to your dogs.

"Remember - During the evening hours, if you dogs bark - turn on your outside lights and look outside, review any video activity overnight, and call the police if you see or hear anything suspicious," police said.