Cops Frustrated as Car Thefts Continue Despite Warnings to Lock Doors

Another car owner who left his keys in the ignition of a high-end vehicle had his BMW stolen last Sunday, according to Wyckoff police.

The 2007 BMW 530XI was stolen overnight from the driveway of a Crankshaw Place home after it was left unlocked with the keys in the ignition, Chief Benjamin Fox said Wednesday.

The market value of the car is estimated at approximately $20,000.

“This is getting terribly frustrating," Fox said. "I’m simply running out of ways to tell residents time and time again to protect their property by locking their car doors."

Fox said he hopes the vast majority of residents was listening, but observed that there remained a sizable population choosing to ignore his advice.

The police chief, who believes individuals are being drawn to Wyckoff and surrounding communities by the carelessness of some vehicle owners, fears the recent spate of car thefts could lead to even more serious incidents in the future. 

"I am concerned about what could happen should a resident interrupt one of these thefts in progress," Fox said. "I can only simply appeal to everyone once again to lock your car and homes, and call your police department should you observe anything suspicious."

Fox said patrols were aware of the numerous thefts and on the lookout.

"Midnight shift officers are being particularly vigilant to suspicious cars and persons during the overnight hours," Fox added. "Our detective bureau is sharing information with nearby towns that experienced similar problems and these crimes are currently under investigation."

Wyckoff Police also reported that on Sunday, March 4, and Tuesday, March 6, thieves broke into unlocked cars parked in driveways on Albermarle Street, Calvin Court, Mountain Avenue, and Sicomac Avenue and stole a GPS unit, iPod, $60 and a lamp.

Sunday's theft is just one about a dozen thefts of unlocked vehicles and personal property from unlocked vehicles reported this year in Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes. Just last week a Wyckoff resident reported that he went to a friend’s home on Annette Court and parked his running car in the driveway,  Mercedes E350 was missing. 

Earlier in February another Wyckoff resident had nearly $100,000 in personal property taken from her when her .

In January, 

All of the residents who suffered losses had failed to lock their vehicles, Fox said.

In December 2011, .

The vehicle — valued at about $100,000 — was also unlocked and its proximity key was left in the vehicle, police said. 

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