MILLBURN, NJ -- The rash of house and car break-ins and car thefts continues in Essex County and other areas of New Jersey. Below are some of the incidents that occurred during the last half of June and information about preventing these crimes.

A Coniston Road resident called the police on June 22 to report that his 2017 Audi Q5 had been stolen from his driveway. He said his key fob was left in the unlocked vehicle. This incident remains under investigation by the Millburn Police Detective Bureau.

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A Hobart Avenue resident told the police that someone attempted to break into his home on June 24, during the early morning hours. The police report stated, “The actors used force on a window to try to enter the home. After the alarm sounded, the suspects fled.” This incident is also being investigated.

Early morning attempted robberies seem to be a trend. A Myrtle Avenue homeowner called the police on June 26 and said that actors entered their house through an unlocked window. Police reported, “The suspects fled in a stolen car out of Newark.” This incident is also under investigation.

Another early morning attempted break in occurred on July 1. A Lupine Way resident told police that the house’s burglary alarm was activated when someone tried to enter the house through a window. The suspect did not actually get into the house. This incident is being investigated as well.

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During the May 21 township committee meeting , members discussed ways to reduce crime. The committee approved a police study to analyze the staffing needs of the Millburn Police Department and its management practices. The township found a firm that works around the United States and has a panel of experts.

In addition, Business Administrator Alex McDonald shared that the police department is purchasing more license plate readers, more cameras and three new officers are graduating from the academy at the end of this year.

He also spoke of a Community Service Unit to help the public communicate with the police department. McDonald mentioned, “This year the township spent 43% more this year on burglary patrol than we did last year.”

Deputy Mayor Frank Saccomandi told meeting attendees about The Citizen Crime Public Safety Advisory Committee (CCPSAC) which will have representatives from various parts of the township, members of the police force and perhaps one or two township committee members. He noted that the group would “work to help innovate with the police to talk about new strategies, new technologies, etc.” and act as a liaison with the community. The CCPSAC will unite the separate neighborhood watches.

Saccomandi also mentioned NJ Bill A2000. “[The] bill will impose mandatory minimum penalties for juvenile offenders if they are caught doing certain theft-related crimes or breaking into a house trying to get keys to steal a car.” Millburn recently passed an ordinance that allows its police to sentence criminals to jail.

Click HERE to view information about protecting your house and your car. Safety tip slides are included above. Residents can also call the police (973) 564-7001 to have them visit and evaluate their home security measures.

Click HERE to watch the entire crime prevention presentation.

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