NUTLEY, NJ – A quiet Prospect Street neighborhood was jolted early this morning after an intruder slipped through an unlocked basement door and stole a resident’s 2025 BMW X5.
Police said the burglary happened around 4:35 a.m. when the suspect entered the home, took a bag containing credit cards, a driver’s license, and the vehicle’s key fob.
The thief fled in the homeowner’s BMW, followed by an accomplice driving a gray Audi SUV.
Key Points
- Suspect entered home through unlocked basement door and stole 2025 BMW X5
- Thief arrived and fled with another suspect in a gray Audi SUV
- Police urge residents to lock doors, secure lighting, and check home security systems
Police link case to statewide theft trend
Nutley Police said the break-in mirrors a pattern of crimes across New Jersey where suspects enter homes to steal key fobs and drive off with vehicles parked in driveways. Detectives from the Nutley Police Department’s Bureau are investigating and reviewing surveillance footage in the area.
Authorities did not release a description of the suspect but confirmed that similar thefts have been reported in neighboring towns in recent weeks.
Residents urged to tighten home security
Police are reminding residents to secure all doors and windows, ensure outdoor lighting and cameras are operational, and activate home alarm systems. Officials also stressed that vehicle owners should never leave key fobs inside cars or in easily accessible areas near entrances.
The Nutley Police Department is asking anyone with information or footage of suspicious vehicles in the area early this morning to contact their detective bureau.