Another Unlocked Vehicle Stolen In Franklin Lakes: Police

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Another unlocked vehicle was stolen out of a driveway this week, police said.

A Bayberry Lane resident reported at 2:11 a.m. that his 2016 Acura TLX was stolen from his driveway, said Detective Capt. John Bakelaar. The vehicle was unlocked with the key fob inside, he said.

It is the third unlocked vehicle stolen from a resident this week.

A 2018 Porsche and a 2017 Range Rover were stolen out of a Mill Brook Lane driveway overnight Wednesday, police previously said. (See related: Franklin Lakes Vehicles Stolen, Burglarized: Police)

Police urge residents to remove valuables and key fobs from vehicles and lock them overnight.

Similar thefts and related burglaries have been reported in North Jersey recently.

A 2016 BMW X6 was stolen out of a Mahwah resident's driveway at about 4 a.m., police there said.

A Nest doorbell camera video from a nearby home showed a vehicle entering the area near the home. A short while later, the same vehicle sped away from the area, followed by the stolen BMW, Mahwah Chief James Batelli said. (See related: BMW Stolen Out Of Mahwah Driveway: Police [Video])

Wayne Police issued a warning about the vehicle burglaries and thefts to residents Thursday.

"Careless is often the cause of vehicle break-ins," said Detective Capt. Laurence Martin,"however, you can minimize your chance of being a victim." (See related: Wayne Police Warn Residents Following Rash Of Vehicle Break-Ins)

The break-ins seem to be happening to only vehicles with wireless key locks. Residents have been leaving their keys in their vehicles. When thieves scout for potential victims, they look for vehicles with the keys left inside and unlocked.

Thieves appear to be grabbing anything they can. They are not just stealing cash, jewelry, cell phones, wallets, but day planners, tools, CDs, garage door openers, and mail, Martin said.

"Don't leave mail in your car, especially where visible," Martin said. "It has your name on and address on it. Thieves target mail for identity theft and checks."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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