Residential Burglary and Theft of Vehicles Reported to Police

 

NEWS RELEASE – July 6, 2022

Residential Burglary and Theft of Vehicles Reported to Police

 

Bernardsville Police Chief Kevin Valentine is alerting residents to a disturbing crime that took place in the Borough on Wed., July 6, 2022. “The incident includes facts that are important for residents to know about in order to take precautions that might be needed to protect themselves and their property”, said Police Chief Kevin Valentine.

At approximately 6:15 A.M. on July 6, 2022, a resident of Tower Mountain Drive in the area of Mendham Road reported to the Bernardsville Police Department that their 2022 Porsche valued at approximately $75,000.00 and a 2018 Land Rover valued at approximately $70,000.00 had been stolen. Both vehicles were owned by the residents. The cars were parked in the driveway and were taken sometime between 1:30 and 2:00 A.M. on July 6, 2022. The victim further reported that a wallet with approximately $100.00 in cash and credit cards that had been left inside one of the vehicles was also taken.

A subsequent police investigation revealed that the suspect or suspects entered the occupied home thru an unlocked rear door. Once inside the residence the actor(s) located keys to the vehicles and used them to steal the two cars. One of the vehicles drove off the driveway onto the yard to exit the property and gain access to the street.

Over the last two years, the Police Department has been aggressively distributing crime prevention information related to vehicle thefts as part of the Department's “LOCK IT OR LOSE IT” crime prevention campaign. Community alerts, social media posts, and public notices have been distributed along with brochures and key chains. The material is designed to remind residents to lock their vehicles and secure their valuables. In this instance, the vehicles were reportedly secured and the keys were inside the house. Chief Valentine noted that “in past incidents, thieves would mostly move on from locked vehicles. What is troubling about this incident is that the suspects entered an occupied home in search of the keys, which greatly enhances the risk of confronting the residents inside the home.”

Police are urging residents not to take this incident lightly. “Residents should take preventative action to ensure their homes, property, and families are safe and secure”, said the Chief. “Vehicle theft continues to be a problem in the region and throughout the state.” The Police Department is also warning residents to be mindful that these criminals could potentially be dangerous. As such, police should be immediately advised of any suspicious activity observed as it is happening. “To be clear, there is no evidence in this incident to suggest that the actors were armed”, said the Chief. However, stolen vehicles are often used to commit other crimes and have been associated with subsequent armed encounters.

This incident remains under investigation by the Bernardsville Police Department Detective Bureau. Residents in the community are asked to check any security cameras they may have that might contain other information or unreported activity related to this investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Police Department at 908-766-0037.

The Police are also encouraging residents to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity day or night by calling the Police Department's main telephone number at 908-766-0037. This phone number is answered by Bernardsville Police Dispatchers or officers that have direct contact with police on patrol in our community. Life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911 which is routed to the Somerset County Emergency Communications Center.

 

Residents are also encouraged to consider participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program sponsored by the Department. Anyone interested in organizing a program for their neighborhood should contact the Bernardsville Police Dept. Detective Bureau at 908-766-0037. The program trains residents to be alert and identify suspicious activity in their neighborhood that should be reported to the police.

In light of this incident, the Police Department is expanding recommendations for residents to consider beyond those previously recommended as part of the ongoing “LOCK IT LOSE IT” campaign.

 

1. Lock your residence! Ensure you have adequate locks to secure your doors and windows. Secure your garages and outbuildings that might contain tools that can be used to access your locked home. Lock interior doors leading to your garage or porch areas at all times, day or night.

2, Hide your keys in a secure place out of sight of potential intruders.

3. If given the option, activate tracking features on your vehicles with the dealer or manufacturer.

4. Leave exterior lights on at night.

5. Install exterior security cameras such as Ring, Nest or other systems around your home. Share recordings of suspicious incidents with friends and neighbors. Look for alerts from BPD on the Ring System.

6. Set exterior motion alerts to inform you if someone is around the exterior of your home. Immediately check those alerts and report suspicious activity to the police without delay.

7. Avoid personally confronting intruders in or around your home. Rather remain in a secure place or room and contact the police immediately. The police dispatcher will remain on the phone line with you while you wait. Utilize exterior alarms, lighting, or other means to alert the intruder that their presence has been detected.

8. Consider installing a residential alarm system with an audible warning signal and use it at night when you sleep when your home is occupied.

 

Press Release Information: Det/Sgt Dan Buttel 908-766-0037