Bergen County is grappling with a significant rise in high-end auto thefts, particularly in affluent northern towns, according to recent discussions from a government meeting. The increase is attributed to both juveniles and young adults, with many offenders coming from neighboring Essex and Passaic Counties, specifically Newark and Paterson.

Assistant Prosecutor Finley highlighted a troubling trend over the past two to three years, noting that the majority of juvenile offenders are not local residents. This has prompted a shift in prosecutorial strategy, with more frequent motions for detention in adult cases to deter these crimes.

Law enforcement officials suspect that a larger organized effort may be behind the surge in auto thefts, with theories suggesting that individuals are orchestrating these crimes while remaining hidden from direct involvement. This suspicion aligns with testimonies from various police chiefs in the region.

In addition to auto thefts, there has been an uptick in second-degree eluding offenses, which pose serious risks to both civilians and the juveniles involved. The meeting also addressed the broader context of burglaries in the county, where juvenile involvement is increasingly noted, particularly in cases where they enter homes to steal car keys.

As the community seeks solutions to combat these rising crime rates, officials acknowledge the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among law enforcement and community stakeholders. Further details and specific examples from other counties are expected to be shared in subsequent discussions.