Stafford Police’s strategy to stop auto thefts draws criticism

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STAFFORD, NJ The latest move by the Township of Stafford Police Department to stop auto thefts has gone too far for some residents.

The department said on Tuesday that officers would check to see if “high-end” cars are left unlocked overnight over the next few weeks. If a car is found unlocked, police will knock on doors to notify residents of their unlocked vehicle.

Stafford Police have urged residents to lock their vehicles in recent weeks amid an increase in vehicle thefts. In the past three months, 25 unlocked vehicles have been stolen in and around Stafford in the townships of Barnegat and Long Beach, according to Police Chief Thomas Dellane.

“What bothers me the most about this is the fact that these 25 vehicles had their keys or key rings left in the vehicle, which makes it a very easy crime of opportunity,” Dellane said during a briefing from the mayor on Tuesday. Read more: Stafford police chief tackles increase in auto theft

The department’s announcement of the new initiative on social media drew support from many residents, although several criticized the department’s method of entering residents’ property without permission and only targeting high-end vehicles. .

Several residents have raised concerns that the ministry is devoting time and resources to this initiative rather than pursuing other issues in the city.

Responding to criticism on social media, Police Chief Tom Dellane released a statement on Wednesday detailing the department’s new strategy to verify unlocked cars.

“First and foremost, members of the Stafford Township Police Department vigorously protect the constitutional rights of all citizens and would never intentionally violate anyone’s rights. That said, this initiative does NOT imply that our officers get into anyone’s vehicle or randomly open vehicle doors, ”Dellane said. “Our officers have been trained to use the same tactics currently used by thieves to determine whether a vehicle is unlocked with the keys or key fobs in the vehicle. Officers can and will make these observations from the public highway, and does not need to enter anyone’s property to perform this verification. “

Dellane said the department does not share its specific strategies with the public to prevent people from learning these tactics.

The ministry is also targeting high-end vehicles as they have been the frequent target of motor vehicle theft in the region.

According to the ministry’s social media post, the new initiative takes police time but “does not compare to the time and resources required to thoroughly investigate every motor vehicle theft and vehicle burglary that occurs.” .

Stafford Police are urging residents to establish a “9 p.m. routine” which involves locking doors, windows and vehicles, removing all valuables from vehicles and turning on exterior lights outside.

During the mayor’s briefing on Tuesday, Dellane said most of the car thefts occurred between midnight and 6 a.m. Dellane is asking residents who see something unusual or see people walking around late at night to call the police as soon as possible.

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