The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office (ACPO), in partnership with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles, safeguard their neighborhoods, and help prevent auto theft.
“Auto theft is not just a property crime. It can put families, neighborhoods, and the broader community at risk,” said Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds. “We are grateful for the continued support and partnership of the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Preventing these crimes requires a shared commitment among law enforcement and the public. A few simple precautions each night can make a meaningful difference.”
Vehicle thefts can occur in residential neighborhoods, driveways, and parking areas when vehicles are left unlocked, keys or key fobs are accessible, or security precautions are overlooked. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take a few moments each evening to secure their vehicles and property.
Simple steps. Safer neighborhoods. Shared responsibility.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office encourages all residents to adopt the following nightly safety practices:
- Lock Your Vehicle: Always lock your doors, even when parked in your driveway or inside your garage.
- Remove Keys and Key Fobs: Never leave keys or key fobs inside your vehicle or in an easily accessible location near doors or windows.
- Remove Valuables: Keep wallets, electronics, cash, and other valuables out of sight or remove them from your vehicle.
- Turn On Exterior Lighting: Use porch lights, motion-activated lighting, and other exterior lighting to improve visibility around your home and driveway.
- Check Doors and Windows: Make a quick nightly security sweep of your home, garage, and vehicles before going to bed.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Contact local law enforcement to report suspicious behavior or activity that may indicate criminal conduct. In an emergency, call 911.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and community awareness is one of our most valuable tools in preventing crime,” Prosecutor Reynolds added. “We ask residents to take these precautions seriously, look out for their neighbors, and report suspicious activity. Our goal is to prevent crime before it happens, protect our families, and avoid the tragedies that can result when stolen vehicles are used in dangerous or criminal activity.”
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to working alongside state and local law enforcement partners to address auto theft, hold offenders accountable, and promote public safety throughout Atlantic County.Residents are encouraged to share this information with family members, neighbors, and friends.
A simple conversation and a few extra minutes of prevention each night can help make our communities safer for everyone.
