A dozen vehicles stolen this month as car thieves hit Margate
Nanette LoBiondo Galloway
MARGATE – Police here are issuing a stern warning for residents to lock their cars and garage doors following a rash of car thefts and burglaries over the last month.
According to Police Chief David Wolfson, twelve vehicles have been stolen in Margate this month.
“Every single one of the victims left their vehicles unlocked, had their valet keys left in the vehicle, or left their garage doors open,” Wolfson said Tuesday morning.
One of the victims is former Commissioner Brenda Taube, who had both her vehicles stolen after the family went to bed Wednesday, Jan. 13.
In addition to having her two thousand thirteen Lexus EX three hundred fifty stolen, along with her daughter’s guitar and some clothing that was ready to be returned to the store, a two thousand twelve GMC Yukon belonging to her spouse John was also stolen. The thieves also gained access into her home and stole her purse and wallet, some cash, a laptop and their passports, Taube said.
“Both of our vehicles were tracked to Virginia. John’s vehicle was located and is being flatbedded back to Fresh Jersey. They are still tracking my vehicle, which is presently located back in Fresh Jersey,” Taube said Tuesday morning.
Taube said both vehicles were left unlocked in the driveway, and thieves entered her home through an unlocked garage door.
“I guess we need to be more diligent here in Margate and make sure our cars and homes are locked up. We all feel Margate is a safe place, but we cannot proceed to have a false sense of security,” Taube said.
Wolfson said someone was arrested in Virginia for stealing the Yukon, but he did not provide details.
“People need to begin locking their cars and the doors to their homes, especially their garages,” Wolfson said. “It seems like everyone had a valet key stashed in their glove compartments, in the trunks of their car, making it very effortless for the thieves.”
Commissioner for public safety John Amodeo said a vehicle stolen several weeks ago was recovered in Atlantic City.
“Our detectives are working hard to crack this case. I think catching people in Virginia means we are close to getting to the root of this,” Amodeo said. “When you look at the volume of stolen vehicles, it could be a car theft ring.”
He said the police investigation tracked the Taubes’ vehicles on the highway two minutes apart using EZPass.
“That shows excellent police work. Our officers are attempting to match fingerprints now. I think the thieves had a good run, but it’s about to come to an end,” Amodeo said.
Wolfson cautioned residents not to become the victim of a crime of chance.
Residents are advised to lock their car doors at all times, even if they are parked in the driveway. Do not leave valet keys or fobs in the vehicle, and be sure to lock garage doors, and front, rear doors and side doors of homes. Residents are advised to park in well-lit areas, and do not leave valuables in plain view.
As always, residents are advised to notify police if they have become victims of a crime or if they see any suspicious activity in the neighborhood. For emergencies, call 911; non-emergency calls can be placed to 609-822-1
“I guess we need to be more diligent here in Margate and make sure our cars and homes are locked up. We all feel Margate is a safe place, but we cannot proceed to have a false sense of security.”