Police Warn of Unlocked Vehicles' Theft and Burglary

Lock your car: Multiple local police agencies are reporting an uptick in vehicle theft and burglaries of unsecured, luxury vehicles.

In some cases, police said, the thefts involved cars with keys in them.

In the last month, Spring Lake Heights, Brielle and Wall police departments have each released public service messages saying crime was reported of unlocked vehilces, whether theft of the vehicle or of valuables inside. In Holmdel, a recent arrest of suspects allegedly involved in a Spring Lake Heights vehicle theft occurred last week.

Each of the agencies said one of the easiest ways to prevent falling victim to these crimes is to simply lock your car doors and secure your property.

Last week, Brielle Police warned of recent thefts: "Recently there has been an increase in the theft of high end vehicles in Monmouth County. In the vast majority of the current and past vehicle thefts in Monmouth County, the vehicles have had the keys left in them. I would like to remind all residents not to leave their keys in their vehicles and to always lock them. Should you have any questions or information please do not hesitate to call the Brielle Police Department at 732-528-5050," wrote Chief Michael W. Palmer.

Spring Lake Heights Police issued a warning last month: "The best way to keep your valuables safe from "opportunistic" thieves is to keep them locked up. With the warm weather in full force there will inevitably be people on the streets looking to take items from parked cars. Make it tough for them by keeping your car locked, and keeping valuables out of sight, and overnight parking your vehicle in a well lighted spot."