MAHWAH, N.J. – They broke car windows and stole valuables in several towns before Mahwah police busted a trio of organized vehicle burglary rings whose members – from Bergen, Rockland and elsewhere – were dropped off and later picked up from local neighborhoods, authorities said.
A total of 75 criminal complaints were signed and more than 16 car burglary cases closed as a result, Police Chief James N. Batelli said.
“Typically, suspects would enter cars parked in driveways or the street and remove items such as purses, wallets, cell phones, cash, credit cards etc.,” Batelli said.
Police, in turn, alerted residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and keep a lookout.