Holiday crime wave hits westfield as thief nabs car from driveway
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Holiday crime wave hits Westfield as thief nabs car from driveway

Car stolen from Westfield driveway after overnight home break-in

Westfield, NJ – A quiet neighborhood in Westfield was shaken early Wednesday morning when a vehicle was stolen from a driveway following a residential burglary, according to police.

Around 3:25 a.m., a suspect entered a home on the 400 block of Colonial Avenue and took a key fob before stealing the vehicle from the property. The burglary and subsequent theft occurred while the residents were home, though no injuries were reported.

The Westfield Police Department confirmed the incident on Wednesday morning and said officers are actively investigating. Patrols have been increased throughout residential areas in response to a recent uptick in vehicle thefts, which often spike during the holiday season.

Officials did not release information on the make or model of the stolen vehicle. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and seeking tips from the public.

Westfield police are urging residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1. They also reminded homeowners to lock doors, secure key fobs, and take precautions amid an ongoing regional trend of thefts involving high-end vehicles.

Key Points

  • Vehicle stolen around 3:25 a.m. Wednesday from Colonial Avenue driveway
  • Theft followed home burglary where key fob was taken
  • Police increase patrols amid rise in holiday-season vehicle thefts
Chris Quigley

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.

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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

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