By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Princeton police are looking into a series of car burglaries that occurred during the overnight hours on Parkside Drive, off Mercer Road, and on Derwent Drive, off Pretty Brook Road.
Burglars entered two unlocked cars that were parked on Parkside Drive overnight between Sept. 26 and Sept. 27, and stole an assortment of items. One victim reported the incident at 4:15 p.m. Sept. 27, and the second victim reported it at 1:12 p.m. Sept. 29.
Two cars were entered while they were parked overnight on Derwent Drive, between 8 p.m. Sept. 28 and 6:45 a.m. Sept. 29. Several items were stolen from the cars, which had been left unlocked, police said. The break-ins were reported at 1:43 p.m. Sept. 29.
Police are investigating whether the burglaries are related. In the meantime, police are urging residents to hide valuables out of sight in their cars, and to lock their cars. It’s just good practice for residents to lock their cars and their homes, police said.
Police also are advising motorists to take the car’s key fob inside with them, and not to leave it in the car. Many cars have push-to-start ignition systems, and the key fob is inserted into the ignition. There have been reports of cars stolen around New Jersey because people left the car unlocked and with the key fob in it.
If residents observe someone or something suspicious, they should call the Princeton Police Department at 609-921-2100 to speak to a dispatcher. In a true emergency, they should call 9-1-1.
