TEANECK, NJ — Police are investigating a string of overnight car burglaries and a vehicle theft that occurred early Wednesday.
At approximately 2:20 a.m., officers responded to a report from a Madison Avenue resident who discovered three of their vehicles had been burglarized.
Officers canvassing the area identified additional affected vehicles, ultimately determining that 13 vehicles had been targeted across several nearby streets, including Madison Avenue, Thomson Avenue, Summit Avenue, Lucy Avenue, East Lawn Drive and Harding Avenue.
At approximately 4:09 a.m., an East Cedar Lane resident reported their 2021 Honda CR-V stolen.
The vehicle was later recovered the same day on Harding Avenue and returned to the owner.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicles targeted were primarily Hondas, with one Acura also affected.
In many cases, airbags were removed, and in some instances, personal property was taken.
The vehicles were entered by various means, including being left unlocked, having windows broken or having locking mechanisms forcibly compromised.
Detectives have recovered and are reviewing surveillance footage, which shows the suspects operating a dark-colored vehicle and wearing face coverings.
In at least one instance, a suspect was able to enter a vehicle, remove the airbag and leave within approximately 30 seconds.
Members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Identification responded and processed several vehicles for latent evidence.
Deputy Chief Seth B. Kriegel is requesting the public’s assistance.
Residents who may have observed anything related to these incidents are encouraged to contact the department and to review and share any surveillance footage that may assist in the investigation.
Anyone who believes their vehicle may have been entered but has not yet reported it is urged to contact the department.
Police remind residents to always lock their vehicles, never leave keys or key fobs inside, remove all valuables or keep them out of sight, park in well-lit areas and utilize vehicle alarm systems or anti-theft devices.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Teaneck Police Department at 201-837-2600 or Crime Stoppers at 844-466-6789.
