Two Teens Charged In Car Theft, Attempted Car Theft In Wall

WALL, NJ — Two teens from Essex County, 16 and 18, have been charged in connection with two separate car theft or attempted car theft incidents this summer, according to Wall police.

And police say the township is seeing a "significant" increase in thefts and urge residents to take greater security measures with their cars, in particular.

Dylan Neal, 18, of East Orange was charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, a third-degree crime; and for receiving stolen property, also a third-degree crime, police said. A warrant has been issued for Neal and he has yet to be arrested on these charges, police said.

Neal is alleged to have stolen a vehicle from Wall on Aug. 26, police said. The vehicle was ultimately recovered the same date in Egg Harbor Township.

Earlier in the summer, July 11, police here investigated an attempted motor vehicle theft in which the homeowner encountered the accused, who in turn fled without the vehicle.

The result of Detective Zach Honecker investigation was an Aug. 22 set of charges to a 16-year-old minor out of Newark. The charges include with the attempted theft of a motor vehicle, a second-degree crime; and for burglary to a motor vehicle, a third-degree crime. The charges against the juvenile were placed on a summons, police said.

Wall police say there has been a "significant" increase in these either attempted or actual car thefts, and they are urging residents to take extra precautions with their cars and SUVs.

"The suspects are targeting unlocked cars during the overnight hours. We urge our residents to lock their vehicles at night and bring their key fobs inside," police said.

Police here encourage the community to take proactive steps to best protect their vehicles:

• Lock your car doors whenever parked and not in use.
• Remove items of value.
• When possible, use the vehicle’s alarm system.
• Secure your vehicle in the garage when feasible.
• Report all suspicious activity immediately to police.

Examples of suspicious activity include an illuminated dome light in an unoccupied vehicle, activation of car alarms, dogs suddenly barking in the middle of the night or someone peering into the car windows, police said.

Just recently, residents confronted potential car thieves in two instances and the suspect fled. Police urged residents not to confront suspects, but to immediately contact police.

And in Brick, police are warning residents to make sure their homes and vehicles are locked up after multiple vehicle burglaries last Sunday in the township.

Wall Township Police Department’s non-emergency number is 732-449-4500 and, in an emergency, 911. The numbers can be used to report these incidents.