Crime in Franklin Lakes - Reducing Car Thefts Campaign UPDATE

In September, the Borough launched a campaign intended to increase awareness of the recent State-wide surge in car thefts. The Borough mailed out “Lock It or Lose It” postcards to all residents, sent a Buzz article on the campaign, posted signs reminding people to “HIDE Your Things, LOCK Your Car and TAKE Your Keys,” and posted messages on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Though it is difficult to ascertain the specific cause, there has been a reduction in car thefts both at the State level and Borough level in the last couple of months. 

Governor Murphy, earlier this month, announced a comprehensive plan to combat auto theft, which includes some significant proposed changes to relevant State criminal statutes, which are summarized in the Governor’s press release. Should these legislative reforms be enacted, there will be more meaningful criminal consequences for those that choose to engage in this unlawful conduct.

To keep residents more informed of criminal activity within the Borough, the Borough has launched a “Police Activity Blotter” webpage. This new webpage will provide reports on arrests and certain criminal activity, which will be updated regularly. In the Borough’s weekly e-newsletter, there will be a link to the Police Activity Blotter at www.franklinlakes.org/policeactivityblotter.

The Franklin Lakes Police Department is committed to continuing to work to do its part to reduce auto thefts with active aggressive enforcement. They are asking for residents to help in these efforts by locking their cars and taking their key fobs with them – “Lock It or Lose It.”