The Bell Avenue resident told police he started the $21,000 SUV then went back inside the house around 7 a.m., then emerged moments later to find it gone.
Saddle Brook police are comparing notes with their counterparts in Newark, where Range Rovers are extremely hot items for car thieves this winter.
“We commonly see this type of opportunity crime occurring at stop-and-go businesses like 7Eleven and Dunkin Donuts, where victims mistakenly leave the car running as they go in for a quick purchase,” Police Chief Robert Kugler told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
“But this happened in the middle of a quiet, not too often utilized residential street.”
Either way, he said, “it takes a couple of seconds for someone to get in and take off.”
Lock and monitor your car and your chances of having it stolen will be dramatically reduced, Kugler said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Saddle Brook-Elmwood Park and receive free news updates.