A 28-year-old Elizabeth man was among three adults arrested last week in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins in Hillside.
Officials said Hillside police recently arrested three adults and a group of juveniles wanted in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries.
According to authorities, among those arrested on May 2nd is John Krahling, 28, of Elizabeth, connected to numerous incidents in Hillside. A comprehensive investigation can result in multiple charges against Krahling, detectives added.
Communities all over the State of New Jersey are experiencing a surge of persons entering vehicles to steal items inside, including Hillside. The incidents are largely occurring in the late night hours or very early in the morning.
The Hillside Police Department is fully aware of this problem and has been taking significant tactical steps to eliminate the opportunity of those who are committing these offenses.
This type of crime is notoriously difficult for the police to prevent or catch in progress. Many times the subject will be on foot and hide, lying in wait, until there is no traffic on the street (especially police vehicles) before committing the crime.
The thefts often total to petty amounts of cash/loose change ranging from $5 to $10, but there have been incidents of theft of valuables left inside the vehicle by the owner.
In addition to the tactical steps the Hillside Police Department is taking, the public can help reduce opportunity by taking the following measures:
• Keep parked vehicles locked (Evidence in some incidents has suggested unlocked cars)
• Aim a surveillance camera (if you have one) at your vehicles
• Do not leave running vehicles unattended
• Do not leave keys/fobs to any vehicles inside the vehicle
• Bring valuables inside your home
• Keep loose change or cash out of sight inside the vehicle
• Immediately report to police suspicious persons around your home who are not from your neighborhood
Police said the issue appears to be linked to the heroin epidemic as those we’ve arrested have communicated they’re “looking for small amounts of money they can spend to get high.”