Car Thefts, Burglaries Continue To Escalate In Westfield: Police

WESTFIELD, NJ — Multiple car thefts and burglaries made last week's police blotter in Westfield.

This type of crime has become rampant throughout Union County in the past two years, but particularly in the last few months. Nearby in Summit, Police Chief Steven Zagorski said the city has seen 19 car thefts so far this year.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro also said thefts have been on the rise in town recently.

Read more: Car Thefts On The Rise In Westfield, Police Chief Says

The first theft last week occurred on Sunday, July 24 when a resident on the 1300 block of Overhill Street reported that his 2019 black Land Rover SUV was stolen from his driveway. He told police that his car was last seen at his home on Sunday at approximately 10:30 p.m. He later discovered it was missing at 12:20 a.m. on Sunday.

Another resident reported that his 2020 white BMW X7, valued at approximately $90,000, was stolen from his driveway at around 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, according to police.

Police said the resident's keys were left inside the vehicle at the time of the theft. In addition, approximately $2,290 worth of miscellaneous personal property items within the vehicle were also stolen, according to police. The theft occurred on the 0-100 block of Tamaques Way.

Another burglary to a resident's vehicle occurred on Saturday, July 30 on the 600 block of Chestnut Street, according to police. The resident's car was parked in their driveway at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday and was found to be burglarized on Sunday at around 2:35 p.m.

The resident's wallet, which was valued at approximately $200, and all of its contents were stolen, police said. Several credits cards in the wallet were also used for unauthorized purchases within various locations in the state, which totaled to approximately $142.

Also on Sunday, at around 8:30 p.m., a resident on the 600 block of Shadowlawn Drive reported an attempted car theft, according to police. The suspect was described as wearing black pants, a black-hooded sweatshirt and a surgical mask.

Police said he attempted to start the car's engine, but he fled in a waiting black Mercedes when he was unable to start the car.

Lastly, a resident on the 800 block of Stevens Avenue reported that his blue Alfa Romeo was stolen on Sunday between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 10:44 p.m, police said. The car was parked in front of the residence when the theft occurred, according to police.

You can view the full police blotter on Westfield Police Department's Facebook page.

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