By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – Why do people purchase expensive vehicles and then issue an open invitation to criminals to become a victim of crime? That’s a question that perplexes law enforcement officials, here and around the state.
Last week, criminals brazenly broke into two Margate homes through windows and garages where they located the key fobs before making off with two expensive vehicles. Police are still looking for the suspects who stole a Range Rover and a Dodge Durango in the early morning hours on Feb. 23. One vehicle was located at a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway, but the other vehicle has yet to be found. Video of the suspects leaving town through the Downbeach Express toll road showed they were wearing hoodies and face coverings.
Also last week, NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and NJ State Police Col. Patrick Callahan issued a statement that said in 2021 motor vehicle thefts in New Jersey spiked 22% over the prior year, and thefts are up 33% so far in 2022. A total of 14,320 vehicle thefts were reported, and some of them involved the commission of other violent crimes. Of those arrested for receiving stolen property, 211 were involved in shootings and 285 were arrested with firearms, Platkin said.
These “crimes of opportunity” can be prevented if people would lock their car windows and doors and remove the key fob from their vehicles, police said.
They said motor vehicle theft is a growing public safety issue that can lead to deadly confrontations with victims, bystanders and police.
“The public has to realize this is a very real and very dangerous problem that has implications far beyond the initial theft of a vehicle and carries into the realm of violent crime,” Callahan said in a release. “The technological resources at our disposal have allowed us to identify key trends and target offenders, but to avoid becoming a statistic yourself, secure your vehicle and take the key or key fob with you.”
Margate Police Chief Matthew Hankinson said most of the vehicles “getting hit” or “rifled through” in Margate are luxury vehicles, and some of the crimes are being done by a ring of car thieves who are becoming more and more brazen.
“In 95% of vehicle thefts, the reason is because the owners left the keys or key fob in the car,” Hankinson said. “Why? Maybe it’s because the key fobs are bigger and bulkier, and for convenience, they don’t want to carry them around.”
Hankinson stressed that residents and visitors to the city should not have a false sense of security because they are in Margate, which they view as a safe community with relatively low crime rate. Crime can happen anywhere, and it’s everyone’s duty to use their common sense to prevent becoming a victim, he said.
The attorney general and local law enforcement officials recommend the following:
- Never leave your keys or key fob in your vehicle
- Do not leave your vehicle running unattended
- Park in well-lit areas
- Ensure the vehicles windows and doors are locked
- Keep valuable out of view
Hankinson went a bit further to say residents and visitors should make sure their garages and doors are locked, as well.
“Have a regular routine when you retire for the day – turn on your porch light, lock your car, bring the keys inside and lock your doors,” he said.
