LONGPORT – Police here issued a warning to residents Tuesday after two juveniles were taken into custody after they were discovered inside a stolen car. One was released to his parents, while the other was issued a summons, according to a release.
“Remember before going to bed this evening to remove all valuables from your vehicles (to include the vehicle’s key fob or key for the ignition), turn your exterior lights on, and secure your homes,” the advisory posted on Facebook stated.
On Tuesday, July 20 at approximately 1:28 a.m., the Longport Police Department received an anonymous call regarding three suspicious individuals in the unit block area of N. Pelham Avenue. Patrol was advised that the individuals were observed pulling on vehicle door handles throughout the immediate area.
Within minutes, Longport Ptl. Alec Morelli, with the assistance of Ptl. Frank Lupperger and Sgt. Jamie F. Silva, arrived on location and observed three individuals entering a 2013 Black Ford Focus. It was soon revealed that this vehicle was stolen out of Washington Township.
The three individuals fled from police and were not apprehended; however, two juvenile males found inside the stolen vehicle were taken into custody.
So far, one juvenile has been charged on summonses and released, while the other was released to his parents by order of a legal advisor from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.
Then, at 7 a.m., another vehicle, a 2019 BMW X1 Sport Utility Vehicle, was reported stolen.
According to the owner, it was believed to have been taken between 1-1:30 a.m. Keys were reported to have been inside the vehicle at the time it was taken.
Margate and Ventnor City Police Departments assisted with the investigation, which is ongoing.
Longport Police urge residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 609-822-2141 or 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
