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Northern Valley: Three Vehicles Stolen With Fobs Inside, 4 Others Spared

HARRINGTON PARK, N.J. – Three vehicles that were stolen from separate driveways in Harrington Park this weekend all had the key fobs inside -- the apparent work of an organized crew that's been victimizing the Northern Valley, authorities said.

The Harrington Park vehicles were stolen or broken into over the weekend in the area outlined on this map.

The Harrington Park vehicles were stolen or broken into over the weekend in the area outlined on this map.

 Photo Credit: Googlemaps
Jerry DeMarco

Five other vehicles in Harrington Park were broken into, Police Chief Albert Maalouf said.

“However, due to the unavailability of key fobs [in those four], the vehicles were not stolen,” he said.

The incidents all occurred within several blocks of Lafayette Road bordered in the map above.

The chief asked that homeowners with security cameras within that mapped area review their recordings during the late evening hours Saturday until 6 am. Sunday for possible evidence.

Anyone who sees anything they think might be helpful is urged to call Harrington Park police at (201) 768-2100 or forward information via the department’s Facebook page.

Bergen County is having yet another theft surge, often by bandits who look for a simple indicator: Mirrors on modern high-end vehicles fold in when the vehicles are locked and stay out when unlocked. Once inside the vehicle, they can usually find the key fob almost instantly.

“We encourage all residents to lock their vehicles and remove any valuables when the vehicles are left unattended, and especially during the overnight hours,” Maalouf said.

The chief also urged drivers to:

  • Never leave your vehicle running unattended and unlocked;
  • Never leave a key fob in the vehicle -- or near enough to activate the ignition;
  • Don't leave your vehicle parked with the windows open;
  • Install an audible alarm system and visible anti-theft device;
  • Consider installing a GPS tracking system;
  • Install a recording camera in your driveway (they work).

The chief also asked citizens to remain aware of their surroundings and to report anything that looks suspicious to police.

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