By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Individuals who target vehicles that are parked at residences were active during the overnight hours of Aug. 23-24, according to Manalapan Police Capt. Thomas Barstow, who reported numerous incidents of theft.
The Aug. 24 reports were filed by residents of Winter Court, Equinox Lane and Crystal Court, which are in residential developments off Route 537 near Manalapan’s border with Freehold Township, according to Barstow.
• At 8 a.m., a resident reported that three vehicles had been entered. Various items valued at approximately $100 were reported stolen from those vehicles.
• At 10 a.m., a resident reported that one vehicle had been entered. Various items valued at $5 were reported stolen from that vehicle.
• At 11 a.m., a resident reported that one vehicle had been entered. Various items valued at approximately $80 were reported stolen from that vehicle.
• At 5:50 p.m., a resident reported that unknown individuals had entered her vehicle and ransacked the interior. No items were reported missing from the vehicle.
Barstow said Patrolman Sean McCarthy and Patrolman Ross Dessel handled the initial reports and said the incidents are under investigation by Detective Kevin Schmidt. He reminded residents to make sure their vehicles are locked during the overnight hours.
In another case involving a theft from a vehicle, on Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. Patrolman Bryan Belardo responded to a residence on Crystal Court where a resident reported that his vehicle had been entered, though no items were taken.
Police said the vehicle was believed to have been left unlocked and was entered sometime between 5 p.m. Aug. 23 and 3 p.m. Aug. 24. The case is pending further investigation.
Anyone with information concerning these incidents is asked to contact the Manalapan Police Department at 732-446-4300 or Detective Kevin Schmidt at 732-446-8386 or kschmidt@manalapanpolice.org
