'Smash And Grab' Car Burglary Warning Issued By Rumson Police

RUMSON, NJ — This past weekend, the Rumson Police Department investigated a single incident of a "smash and grab" car burglary at Meadow Ridge Park, Ridge Road, during daytime hours, police reported.

Rumson police are still investigating this incident and it is unknown if the person or persons involved are part of a so-called "Felony Lane Gang," referred to by Toms River police recently, police here said.

Rumson police urge residents or parks users to remove all valuables from their vehicles or lock valuables in a secure compartment, such as the trunk, where they are not visible.

If you have any information on this type of incident or have any other concern, contact the Rumson Police Department at 732-842-0500.

On a recent social media post, the Toms River Police Department alerted the public to the car burglary gang. Here is that post:

"Since the beginning of June, the central and northern New Jersey areas have been hit by a group known as the 'Felony Lane Gang.'

"This organized group targets parking areas of public parks, gyms, and recreation areas all over New Jersey with car burglaries.

"A few things to be aware of:

• They are often driving rental cars with out-of-state plates. This group originates from Florida and drives-up the Eastern Seaboard to commit the burglaries.
• They are seeking purses in the car hoping to find bank checks, debit cards, and drivers licenses. They then forge and pass the checks at various banks using the stolen ID’s.
• They will drop-off one person in the lot on foot who will utilize a spring-loaded center punch to pop the vehicle side windows.
• The drop vehicle will often remain close-by and in watch position in case law enforcement arrives.
• They are very fast, usually in and out of a parking lot in only a few minutes.
• They have been known in the past to be armed, so if people see this activity they should report it and not approach these people."

While Rumson police are not concluding that the Meadow Ridge Park incident was activity by that gang, this type of incident has happened elsewhere in Monmouth County.

In late April, cars and other vehicles parked at recreation areas and parks were the target of "smash and grab" burglaries in Wall and Howell, police reported at that time.

Wall police put out a notice to residents that the department and police in other area towns were investigating these types of vehicle burglaries.

Capt. Chad Clark of Wall said cars parked at recreation spots in Howell and a parking area at Allaire State Park in Wall were targeted.

Clark advised drivers then to keep valuables out of the car or out of sight and locked, and to park in well-lit areas, close to recreation buildings.