Full Notification

Newark Police Director Anthony F. Ambrose urges drivers to refrain from leaving their vehicles running and unattended.

Some 300 cars were stolen last year when drivers left them unattended and running.

“That’s 22 percent of all stolen cars,” Ambrose said. “Residents who leave their cars idling for heat need to end this practice if your vehicle is left unsecured. This is creating a hazard for the car owner and for the community as a whole.”

In an effort to reduce vehicle thefts, police will issue summonses to drivers who leave their cars unattended and idling. New Jersey State statue 39:3-70.2 addresses the penalties for leaving cars idling, which is not less than $250 for a single offense. The statute was designed to cut air pollution, but it is applicable to all idling vehicles, except school buses.

Vehicle owners are advised to follow the below precautions to prevent vehicular crimes:

• Install a vehicle tracking device to find your car in the event of a theft
• Keep valuables in your vehicle hidden from plain view to deter thefts
• Park in public, well-lit, security-monitored parking areas
• Never leave your car unlocked
• Do not leave a spare key in or near your vehicle
• Activate an audible alarm system

To report suspicious or criminal activities, call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.