Burglars hit commuter deck

EAST BRUNSWICK — Some 18 vehicles were reportedly broken into in a single day recently at the township’s Neilson Plaza commuter parking deck, located at Route 18 and Tower Center Drive.

The break-ins took place on Nov. 22, a week ago Monday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to East Brunswick police. The cars were all reported to have been locked at the time of the burglaries.

The suspect or suspects used some type of tool to compromise the door locks, according to police Sgt. Paul Natalicchio. He said cars were likely damaged in the process. There were no reports of alarms being activated, so the vehicles in question may not have had alarms, he said.

Assorted items including GPS units, CDs, DVDs, first-aid kits, E-Z Pass devices, vehicle manuals and loose change were stolen from the vehicles. Natalicchio said the series of car break-ins at the parking deck appeared to be limited to that date, as none were reported in the following days.

Police are actively investigating the thefts and requested that anyone with information contact Detective Eric Raps at 732- 390-6990.

To help prevent a car break-in, police suggest using an anti-theft device or alarm system, and that the doors be locked. Also, police said personal items should not be left in plain sight, and that property never be left in an unattended vehicle. Thieves look for purses, shopping bags, backpacks, GPS units, CDs, loose change, important documents, credit cards, and valet and spare keys.