Car thief jumps into idling vehicle and takes off in wilkes-barre
police car lights at night in city with selective focus and blurry car traffic in the bokeh

Car thief jumps into idling vehicle and takes off in Wilkes-Barre

December 5, 2025
1 min read

Car stolen in minutes after being left running outside Wilkes-Barre business

WILKES-BARRE, PA – A 36-year-old man’s vehicle was stolen in broad daylight Thursday evening after he left it running and unattended outside a business on South Main Street, police said.

The theft occurred around 6:17 p.m. near 295 South Main Street. According to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, the victim briefly stepped inside a business, leaving his vehicle unlocked with the engine running. When he returned moments later, the vehicle was gone.

Officers responded to the scene and began an immediate search for the missing vehicle. It was later located on Blackman Street, though no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.

The victim, a man from Exeter, reported the incident and provided details to investigators. The department is continuing to review surveillance footage in the area and has not yet released a description of the suspect.

Police are reminding residents to never leave vehicles running and unattended, even for a short time, as such thefts can occur in seconds.

The investigation remains active.

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Key Points

  • A 36-year-old Exeter man had his car stolen after leaving it running outside a South Main Street business
  • The vehicle was later recovered on Blackman Street
  • No suspects have been identified as the investigation continues
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News