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Burlington County Car Burglary Suspect Apprehended; Accomplice Hunt Intensifies
Medford, Nj – A suspect involved in a series of car burglaries in a Burlington County community is now in custody, but the search continues for the suspected accomplice. Authorities confirmed the arrest and are actively pursuing leads to locate the second individual.
The Crime Spree: 21 Vehicles Targeted In One Night
Medford Police Department Lieutenant Jeff Samalonis stated that the suspect faces 21 counts of motor vehicle burglary. All of these break-ins occurred during a single night, exploiting a common oversight among residents.
The 22nd attempted car burglary was thwarted when homeowners,alerted by their surveillance system,activated their garage door,scaring off the burglars. This incident highlighted a disturbing trend: unlocked vehicles.
“Most of them, yes,” Lt. Samalonis confirmed, answering a question about the high number of unlocked cars.
Unlocked Doors: An Open Invitation
Police investigations revealed that the suspects appeared familiar with Medford. Many residents, living approximately 23 miles from Philadelphia, felt secure enough to leave their car doors unlocked, with valuables inside. Wallets, credit cards, and even car keys where readily accessible.
This negligence allowed the burglars to steal a Ford Fusion after arriving in Medford in a distinctive Infiniti, marked by a black trunk, spoiler, and a temporary, fake New Jersey paper license plate. The stolen Infiniti is still being sought, with authorities suspecting it’s in Philadelphia.
Credit Card Fraud and The Stolen Car Recovery
The accomplice was recorded on surveillance video at a Wawa convenience store, using a stolen credit card taken from one of the burgled vehicles. This provided crucial evidence for investigators.
The stolen Ford Fusion was eventually located in Muncy, Pennsylvania, approximately three hours away. A police license plate reader identified the stolen vehicle, and a subsequent high-speed chase ensued, reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph before ending in a crash.
The driver, 26-year-old Kyair Smith, claimed a friend had simply given him the car, according to the criminal complaint.
A wake-Up Call for Medford Residents
“What lessons should Medford residents learn out of this?” Keeley asked.
“Lock up your cars at night and keep your valuables inside,” lt. Samalonis answered.
The Medford Police Department is now on heightened alert for similar criminal activities, indicating that other potential suspects are being investigated.
“Were working on another crew that just came out a week or two ago and hit a different part of the town and were still working on identifying people out of there,” Lt. Samalonis stated, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat local crime.
Pro Tip: Vehicle Safety Tips
- Always lock your car doors, even when parked at home.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight. Store them in the trunk or glove compartment.
- Consider installing an alarm system or a GPS tracking device.
- Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Did you know that vehicle theft increases during the summer months? Stay vigilant and protect your property.
The Rising Trend of Car burglaries: A National Perspective
While the medford incident is localized, it reflects a broader national trend. According to the National Insurance Crime bureau (NICB), vehicle thefts and burglaries have seen a recent surge, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and preventative measures. Several major cities have reported important increases in car-related crimes over the past year,prompting law enforcement agencies to implement new strategies.
The following table illustrates the increase in car burglaries in various cities:
| city | Increase in Car Burglaries (Last 12 Months) |
|---|---|
| New York City | 15% |
| Los Angeles | 22% |
| Chicago | 18% |
| Philadelphia | 25% |
These statistics underscore the importance of taking proactive steps to protect your vehicle and personal belongings.
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