Police: Thieves stealing luxury vehicles from driveways in Toms River

Police in Toms River are advising residents to lock their vehicles after a string of luxury car thefts. 

Six vehicles, including makes such as Audi, BMW, Range Rover, Lexus, and Jeep, have been stolen from driveways since mid-August, said Ralph Stocco, Toms River Police Department spokesman. 

He added that all vehicles were unlocked and had the keys or electronic key fobs inside.

“The thieves may be casing the neighborhoods during the day or early evening and then returning in the hours between midnight and 5 a.m. to take the cars. They appear to be continuously trying door handles until they find one open and with the keys inside,” Stocco said. “There is no pattern as to what neighborhoods are being targeted.”

Authorities believe that the thieves are members of an organized group from out of the area, adding that there may be connection to other areas in the state that have had similar incidents, according to Stocco. 

“It appears that they are shopping around until they see what they want and then return to take it,” he said. 

Anyone who observes suspicious activity should contact the Toms River Police Department at (732) 349-0150, Stocco said.