Shrewsbury Police Urge Public To Lock Cars After 4 Stolen in June

SHREWSBURY, NJ — As COVID restrictions are lifted and summer gets into full swing, police and borough officials are reminding residents to lock their cars and take key fobs into their homes after an increase in car thefts.

In a letter sent to borough residents Thursday, officials said four cars were stolen off borough streets in June. In each case, the cars were left unlocked with the key fob inside the vehicle.

“To perpetrate this crime, thieves try car door handles until they find one that is open, and if the keys are in the car, start the vehicle and drive away,” the letter stated. They also noted there have been reports in other towns of thieves using the garage door opener in an unlocked car to open the garage door and gain access to the house.

The thefts occurred on Robinson Place, Garden Road and Will Court in the overnight hours on June 17, June 25 and June 29. Police have since increased patrols and visibility.

“These crimes are crimes of opportunity. When the thieves find that one town is an easy target (unlocked cars), they are emboldened to return to the same town to steal another car. If thieves find a town consistently locks their cars, they move on,” the letter stated.

“Rest assured that the Borough and the police department will continue to do everything it can to ensure the safety of Shrewsbury. We hope we can count on you in helping protect our community,” it continued.