Point Pleasant Beach cops warn residents to secure vehicles after dramatic theft attempt

POINT PLEASANT BEACH - The municipal police department is again reminding residents not to leave their key fobs in their motor vehicles after another car theft attempt on Wednesday.

The suspects fled the scene of the thwarted heist about 10:30 a.m. in another car that had been reported stolen from the Newark area, after a local resident called the police before the crime could be committed.

A short time later, the getaway car caused an accident as it headed into Monmouth County over the Route 35 bridge, authorities said.

“Many times car thieves can tell a vehicle is unlocked with the key fob inside just by looking at the positioning of the vehicle's side mirrors and other visible characteristics,” Point Pleasant Beach Police said in a statement. “In all of these cases the vehicles that were entered or taken were left unlocked with the key fob inside of the vehicle.”

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A ring of luxury car thefts has plagued Shore neighborhoods over the past few years as electronic keyless ignition systems have become the automotive industry standard.

The trend has been a vexing crime for law enforcement authorities in Monmouth County and is now gaining traction in Ocean County. The thieves, who are often brazen, will even — when intercepted — lead police in pursuits for tens of miles, jeopardizing both lives and property.

In August 2020, a Point Pleasant Beach police cruiser was damaged after officers pursued four men suspected of stealing cars in the area — three from Newark and one from East Orange — through Bay Head and into Mantoloking. They were ultimately apprehended and charged with burglary and theft.

In Wednesday’s incident, one bicyclist was reported to have suffered injuries after being struck by the getaway car, authorities said.

Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com