Resident recounts attempted forced entry as police describe organized auto-theft ring

Alexander Cole, who identified himself as a Glen Ridge resident at 16 Oakwood Avenue, told the borough council that someone tried to force entry at his back door about a month earlier and that cameras and other precautions had helped prevent a successful break-in.

"They tried our house at 5:45 a.m.," Cole said, describing multiple attempts in his neighborhood and warning that thieves have targeted high-end SUVs and taken keys or vehicles when left accessible. He urged the council and police to consider measures that would deter or identify those responsible.

Police Chief Quinn responded that the incidents are tied to an organized, statewide auto-theft ring and that the state attorney general's office is involved. "It is a statewide autotheft ring. It's organized," the chief said, adding that prosecutors have brought racketeering charges in some recent cases. He described cooperative work between borough detectives, county and state police and regular information-sharing among chiefs and task forces.

Quinn said investigators are using traffic enforcement, license-plate reader (ALPR) data and forensic extraction from vehicles' infotainment systems to trace stolen cars. "We recently made an arrest and the attorney general actually put racketeering charges on them," the chief said. He also described the ring's use of juveniles in some incidents, which complicates prosecution and enforcement.

On steps residents can take, Quinn recommended visible cameras with alert settings, storing keys out of sight or using Faraday pouches, and calling police immediately if unusual sounds or activity are observed. "We don't have evidence that they're using an RFID transmitter yet, but it is an extra precaution you could take," he said.

Mayor and council members thanked Cole and the police for their work and the update. The mayor noted that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests and charges have been unfolding in recent weeks.

The council did not take formal action in response to Cole's comment; Chief Quinn said detectives and state partners are pursuing the larger investigation and will continue enforcement and information-sharing with neighboring jurisdictions.