Elmwood Park police want help identifying car burglary suspect in surveillance photo

Joshua Jongsma | NorthJersey

Show Caption Hide Caption Vehicle theft prevention tips Glen Rock PD detectives offer tips on auto theft prevention.

Since April more than 50 people left their cars unlocked overnight in Elmwood Park, and they all became burglary victims.

The burglaries happened from Rosedale to Stone avenues between the hours of 1 and 5 a.m. over the months. In each case the vehicles were left unlocked.

"It’s obvious that the suspects would rather enter unlocked vehicles instead of risking detection by breaking locks or shattering windows," Foligno said.

Elmwood Park police believe the 52 burglaries since April 1 could have all been committed by the same person or people, Police Chief Michael Foligno said.

Police released surveillance images of a suspect and asked for the public's help identifying him and preventing any more burglaries.

Officers will increase patrol and surveillance in the trouble area, according to the chief.

Thieves and burglars often target unlocked cars.

Earlier in the week three teens were charged with breaking into 10 cars and stealing one of them in Prospect Park, all of which were unlocked. In July an organized band of high-end car thieves targeted luxury cars in the driveways of northern Bergen County, by looking for cars in which key fobs required for push-button starters were left inside.

Foligno also asked residents to keep their vehicles locked, and to report any suspicious activity they may see. Many times while investigating a car burglary police learn someone had previously seen or heard something out of the ordinary but did not report it, he said.

"A partnership between the police department and the community is necessary to have a safe environment to live in," Foligno said. "In many cases you are our eyes and ears and we rely on your awareness and willingness to help to make our community great."

Anyone with information about the burglaries can contact Elmwood Park Capt. Marc D’Amore at 201-796-0700 ext. 110. Callers may remain anonymous.

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Email: jongsma@northjersey.com