The Hopewell Township Police Department is stepping up patrols in residential neighborhoods following a spate of burglaries and auto thefts that occurred Jan. 5.
Two vehicles were stolen from the driveway of a Baker Way residence after several suspects forced their way into the house and found key fobs to the vehicles, police said. The suspects used the key fobs to enter the vehicles and then fled with them.
Several suspects also entered the garage of a home on Stout Road, but did not break into the house, police said. They did not steal any vehicles from the home.
Police said Hopewell Township was one of many towns targeted Jan. 5 by thieves who sought to steal high-end luxury vehicles. The incidents may be part of a larger network of auto thefts, police said.
The Hopewell Township auto thefts are under investigation by the Hopewell Township Police Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force and police departments from other towns.
Police are advising residents to lock their homes and vehicles, and use their home security systems and surveillance cameras.
Residents should be aware of suspicious vehicles in the neighborhood and report any suspicious activity to the Hopewell Township Police Department at (609) 737-3100, or 911 if there is an emergency.