Nutley Police: 9 Of 10 Stolen Cars Left Idling, Unlocked With Fob

NUTLEY, NJ — Nearly nine of 10 stolen vehicles in Nutley are left idling, unlocked or with the key fob inside, local public safety officials say.

Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo released a message to residents on Friday, advising that “stolen cars are on the rise throughout New Jersey.”

According to a news release from the Nutley Police Department:

“Chief Strumolo states that ninety percent of the stolen vehicles taken were idling while the owner entered a store or the key fob remained inside their unlocked vehicle. He said this is in line with county and statewide statistics that indicate Nutley is not the only town noticing a spike in thefts. He added in addition to the stolen vehicles, we also have an increase in thefts from motor vehicles. This is when a thief enters a vehicle to steal something from inside. There is no doubt that taking loose change, ear buds, iPods and laptops are consolation prizes if the vehicle does not start. He said that each of these thefts from motor vehicles could easily be auto thefts as well. He noted all with a similar theme, doors left unlocked. Over the past two years, we have only a handful of vehicles that were forcefully entered, most were left unlocked.”

Officials continued:

“Police Director Petracco said it is tiring to remind residents to lock their doors; however, this may be the only way to slow these criminals. He said, ‘I empathize with the residents who have lived here for 30 years and recall a time when you can leave your doors open. Unfortunately, there are thieves that prey on those that forget to lock up.’ He added that although thefts are up, so are up arrests. He said Nutley police have been working diligently to charge those responsible and will continue investigating all crimes committed in town.”

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