Car Theft Surge Plagues Washington Township, NJ

Juvenile Thieves Target Unlocked Cars in Washington Township, NJ

A string of car thefts early Friday morning highlights a growing trend of “crimes of chance” and serves as a stark reminder for residents to secure their vehicles.

Washington Township, New Jersey – The early morning quiet of Friday, July 11, was disturbed by a group of young thieves who managed to steal four cars from residents. According to Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik, the incidents occurred between 3 and 5 a.m., and a troubling pattern emerged: every vehicle stolen was unlocked, and in three of those cases, the key fob was left in plain view.

“I’ve been the police chief here now going on 9 years. I’ve never seen or experienced anything like it,” Chief Gurcsik stated, reflecting on the brazenness of the thefts. He identified these as “crimes of opportunity,” a type of offense that he notes is becoming increasingly common not only locally but across the entire Garden State.

The suspects, described by Chief Gurcsik as appearing “very, very young – like 13, 14, 15 and 16-years-old” and wearing masks and gloves, are believed to be juveniles. This detail underscores a disturbing trend of young people engaging in criminal activity.

One resident, Michael bangle, narrowly avoided becoming a victim, capturing the attempted theft of his car on surveillance video. Fortunately for Bangle, his vigilance paid off.”We lock our cars whenever we get out of it; and at nighttime before bed, I always come out and check them. Always, like clockwork, I make sure,” he shared, emphasizing his proactive approach.

However, Bangle noted that a neighbor on Uranus Road was less fortunate. Their white Chrysler 300 was stolen in approximately 30 seconds, a testament to the speed and efficiency of these young perpetrators. Bangle expressed his frustration, urging the thieves directly, “Get a job! Get a job! If you can do that, go and steal cars, go get a job somewhere, or go get a real job.”

In a positive advancement, police were able to recover three of the four stolen vehicles. Chief Gurcsik highlighted the common motive behind car thefts: using them to facilitate further,frequently enough more serious,crimes. He confirmed that one of the cars stolen on Friday was indeed used in a high-speed chase in Pennsauken.

While no arrests have been made yet, Chief Gurcsik issued a stern warning to any aspiring car thieves considering Washington Township as a target. “Stay out of Washington Township. We’ll prosecute you 100%,” he declared. Residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and, most importantly, to remember the simple yet effective measures of bringing key fobs inside and locking their car doors.

Published July 12, 2024

What steps can residents take to protect their key fobs from relay attacks?

Recent spike in Vehicle Thefts: What Residents Need to Know

Washington Township, New Jersey, is currently experiencing a significant increase in car thefts, leaving residents concerned and local authorities scrambling for solutions. Data from the Washington Township Police department indicates a 45% rise in vehicle theft incidents in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This surge isn’t isolated; it mirrors a national trend, but the localized impact is deeply felt within the community. This article breaks down the specifics, potential causes, and, most importantly, how to protect your vehicle.

Understanding the Trends in Washington Township Car Theft

The types of vehicles targeted are shifting. While older Honda Accords and Civics historically topped the list of most stolen cars, the current wave includes a growing number of newer SUVs and trucks. This suggests a potential shift in the motives behind the thefts.

Here’s a breakdown of key trends:

Keyless Entry Vulnerabilities: Vehicles with keyless ignition systems are proving particularly vulnerable to a technique known as “relay attacks.”

Organized Crime Involvement: Law enforcement suspects organized crime rings are increasingly involved,shipping stolen vehicles overseas or dismantling them for parts. Auto theft rings are becoming more sophisticated.

Targeted Neighborhoods: Certain areas within Washington Township, particularly those with easy access to major highways (Route 41, the Atlantic City Expressway), are experiencing a disproportionately high number of incidents.

Time of Day: A significant percentage of thefts occur between 10 PM and 6 AM, highlighting the importance of nighttime security measures.

The Role of “Relay Attacks” and Key Fob Security

Relay attacks exploit a weakness in keyless entry systems. Thieves use electronic devices to amplify the signal from your key fob (even when it’s inside your house) and trick the car into thinking the key is present. This allows them to unlock the vehicle and start the engine.

Protecting yourself from relay attacks:

1. Faraday Bags: Store your key fob in a Faraday bag or a metal box,which blocks the signal. These are readily available online and relatively inexpensive.
2. Key Fob Signal Blocking: Consider a signal-blocking pouch specifically designed for key fobs.
3. disable Keyless Entry (If Possible): Some vehicles allow you to disable the keyless entry function. Check your owner’s manual.
4. Steering Wheel lock: A visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock can discourage thieves.

Washington Township Police Department Response & Initiatives

the Washington Township Police Department (WTPD) is actively addressing the car theft problem through several initiatives:

Increased Patrols: Enhanced police presence in targeted neighborhoods, particularly during peak theft hours.

Community Outreach: Public awareness campaigns educating residents about preventative measures.

Collaboration with Neighboring Agencies: Working with police departments in surrounding towns to share information and coordinate efforts.

Investigative Task Force: A dedicated task force focused on investigating auto theft incidents and identifying suspects.

License Plate Reader (LPR) Technology: Deployment of LPR technology to help identify stolen vehicles.

Additional Security Measures for Vehicle Owners

Beyond the measures recommended by the WTPD, consider these additional steps to protect your vehicle:

Alarm System: Install a car alarm with a loud siren and, ideally, a GPS tracking system.

GPS Tracking Device: A hidden GPS tracker can help police locate your vehicle if it is stolen. Services like LoJack and Apple AirTag (though not specifically designed for this purpose) can be utilized.

Visible Security devices: Steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and window etching can deter thieves.

Parking Location: Park in well-lit areas and, if possible, in a garage or driveway. Avoid parking on dark, secluded streets.

remove Valuables: never leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Etching: etch your VIN onto your windows.This makes it more arduous for thieves to resell the vehicle or its parts.

Insurance Implications of Car Theft

If your vehicle is stolen, your comprehensive car insurance coverage will typically cover the loss, minus your deductible. It’s crucial to:

Report the Theft Promptly: file a police report as soon as you discover your vehicle is missing.

Contact your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company promptly and provide them with the police report number.

Document Everything: keep copies of all documents related to the theft, including the police report, insurance claim forms, and any communication with the police or insurance company.

Real-World Example: The Rise in Kia/Hyundai Thefts

Nationally, a significant portion of the recent auto theft surge has been linked to a vulnerability in certain Kia and Hyundai models. A social media trend demonstrated how easily these vehicles could be started without a key, leading to a dramatic increase in thefts. While Washington Township hasn’t seen the same level of impact as some other areas, the WTPD is aware of the issue and is advising owners of affected vehicles to take extra precautions. Hyundai and Kia have issued software updates to address this vulnerability, and owners are encouraged to have the update installed at a dealership.

Resources for Washington township Residents

* Washington Township police Department: (856) 589