Following a recent rise in vehicle burglaries, the Neptune Police Department has issued a warning to drivers to “eliminate these crimes of opportunity.”
When thieves break into cars, some of which are left unlocked they often take personal items such as portable devices like GPS devices, iPods and cell phones that are left in plain sight inside vehicles.
Also targeted are pocketbooks, purses, loose change and sunglasses. In most of these cases, thieves could easily spot the items or their attachments, because they are left on the seats, center consoles and dashboards.
Police said in almost all cases the victims left their vehicles unlocked and in some cases the car windows were left open.
These incidents have occurred at all times of the day and night, even in heavy trafficked areas according to a release from the police department.
All Neptune residential neighborhoods have been affected, particularly the Gables, Shark River Hills, Ocean Grove and the neighborhoods off Wayside Road.
Police are reminding drivers that these are crimes of opportunity.
They urge car owners to reduce the opportunity by locking vehicles and eliminate the opportunity by not leaving personal items inside vehicles.
If personal property must be left inside the vehicle, lock them inside the trunk or hide them from view.
Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police by calling 9-1-1.
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Published every Thursday.
