Another wave of vehicle thefts has occurred in a Monmouth County community. Several homes were also broken into while the people inside were sleeping in Sea Girt, according to police.
Police tell News 12 that the thieves made off with four vehicles over the last few nights and more suspicious activity was seen early Christmas Eve.
A group of masked men, armed with a crowbar, were seen on security video outside a Sea Girt home the night of Dec. 21.
Luke O’Shaughnessy lives near the recent thefts and home break-ins.
“Our family group chat was lighting up about it over the weekend, so it’s kind of been a thing here for a few years so everyone’s aware, said O’Shaughnessy. “It’s desperate, it’s sad. It’s taking advantage of people at a time where they have a million things going on and a time where people get complacent, I guess, but sad thing to see.”
Sea Girt Police Lt. Matt Mason said that the suspects, “come into town, looking for high-end luxury vehicles.”
Police tell News 12 that the thieves first look for key fobs inside vehicles and then they will try unlocked doors on homes to gain access to the keys or force their way in.
While towns have seen a drop in the number of home break-ins and vehicle thefts, police say residents must remain aware.
“Wherever they can get a vehicle, they’ll take advantage of it,” said Mason.
Police are asking people who live along Washington Boulevard and Crescent Parkway to check their security videos from Dec. 21 and 22 to see if they spot anything suspicious. Police are also advising residents to keep their keys locked inside and away from doors and windows.