Wyckoff PD: Unlocked Luxury Cars Stolen On Same Day

WYCKOFF, NJ – Wyckoff police continue to urge residents to lock their vehicles after three luxury cars were stolen in the township on the same day.

The unlocked cars, which were taken sometime during the overnight hours of Sept. 9, were later recovered by police departments in other towns, according to Lt. Joseph Soto.

The thefts involved a Range Rover from a Highview Drive home, an Infiniti Q50 from a Mulberry Court house and a Lexus RX3 on Richard Place, Soto said. In all three cases, the key fob was left inside of the vehicle, he said.

On Sept. 17, Hillside police notified Wyckoff that they recovered the missing Range Rover, Soto said. Newark police alerted Wyckoff that the Infiniti was found on Sept. 24.

East Orange police recovered the stolen Lexus on Sept. 17, Soto said. At the time of recovery, the car had false New York license plates and had sustained minor damage, the lieutenant said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incidents.

Soto added: "We know from prior investigations that groups of individuals will often target specific areas for the purpose of stealing vehicles. These groups will usually arrive in the area in another stolen vehicle and often times leave that vehicle behind. Due to the number of offenders participating, multiple vehicles will be stolen during the evening. The vehicles that have been recovered have ranged from having minor damage to completely burned."

Following the most recent thefts, Wyckoff police reminded residents to secure their vehicles at night.

“Many vehicles are reported entered and or stolen during the overnight hours in our immediate area. Most, if not all of those cars were left unlocked with the key fob inside. Video footage captured of these brazen acts have revealed that if your car is locked, the thieves will simply move on until they find an unlocked car. Do not make yourself an easy victim,” the department said.