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

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.

Charlie Dwyer
Charlie Dwyer is our New Jersey area news reporter. Dwyer reports on New Jersey news and events at the shore and beyond. Charlie covers New Jersey regional news. Charlie is a freelancer.

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