Over 10,000 vehicles stolen across new jersey so far in 2024

WESTFIELD, N.J. — Two luxury vehicles were stolen early Thursday morning following a break-in at a home on East Dudley Avenue, the Westfield Police Department reported. The incident occurred around 2:46 a.m. after police received a report from an alarm company and a subsequent 911 call from the homeowner.

Police determined that three individuals forced entry into the residence through a front window. The suspects, all wearing hoods and masks, located keys to two vehicles—a 2024 BMW X7 and a 2022 Porsche Macan—in the kitchen. Both vehicles were stolen from the driveway, and the suspects fled the scene through the front door.

Responding officers noted the front door was left open, and it appeared the vehicles were the intended targets of the burglary. No injuries were reported.

Vehicle theft remains a significant issue in New Jersey, with 10,850 cars reported stolen statewide this year. Union County has seen 29 vehicles stolen in the past week, despite a slight 2% decrease in thefts compared to last year.

Prior to this incident, Westfield had reported only three vehicle thefts this year. Local authorities continue efforts to address the rise in auto thefts.

Shore News Network Staff Report Latest posts

Shore News Network Staff Report is the official newsroom byline used by Shore News Network when a story is produced through the collaborative work of multiple members of the editorial team rather than a single reporter.

This newsroom account is reserved for articles that involve contributions from multiple journalists, editors, photographers, researchers, or news desk staff. It is also used for developing stories that are updated as new verified information becomes available, as well as for community announcements, weather coverage, public safety alerts, election results, and other newsroom-produced content.

Every article published under the Shore News Network Staff Report byline is reviewed and edited in accordance with the organization's editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, attribution, and transparency. Information is verified through official government agencies, court records, law enforcement, public documents, direct reporting, interviews, and other reliable primary and secondary sources before publication whenever possible.

The Staff Report account does not use artificial intelligence to independently generate news or publish unverified information. AI-assisted tools may occasionally be used for editorial support tasks such as transcription, formatting, grammar review, or workflow efficiency, but all published content is subject to human editorial oversight and approval by Shore News Network's newsroom staff.

As an independently owned digital news organization, Shore News Network is committed to original reporting, public safety journalism, government accountability, local community coverage, and breaking news throughout New Jersey and surrounding regions. Stories published under the Staff Report byline reflect the collective experience and editorial judgment of the Shore News Network newsroom.

Readers who have corrections, additional information, or news tips related to a Staff Report article are encouraged to contact the newsroom at news@shorenewsnetwork.com. Shore News Network welcomes factual corrections and updates as part of its commitment to accurate, transparent journalism.