New Jersey Police Chief Warns of Rise in Vehicle Thefts and Burglaries

Police light, traffic safety officer - Stock Photo by Daniel Tadevosyan
Police light, traffic safety officer - Stock Photo by Daniel Tadevosyan

WESTFIELD, NJ – Police Chief Christopher Battiloro has issued a statement alerting residents to a significant increase in vehicle thefts and burglaries targeting high-end vehicles in Westfield.

In the past 30 days, the town has experienced five reported vehicle thefts, including one on Christmas day. The thefts occurred at various locations:

  • 500 block of Central Avenue on November 30.
  • 10 block of Stoneleigh Park on December 8.
  • 1000 block of Rahway Avenue, with two vehicles stolen, on December 17.
  • 500 block of Cumberland Street on December 25.

Chief Battiloro highlighted the proactive efforts of Westfield officers in confronting vehicle theft suspects. He referenced a recent incident where officers engaged in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Central Avenue. This pursuit occurred just hours before a Cranford officer was shot on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge, related to an incident in that area.