By Christina Johnson | cjohnson@tworivertimes.com
New signs went up earlier this week in some Monmouth County parks warning visitors not to leave valuables in their parked cars.
The warnings are in response to an increase in car break-ins. Since the start of 2018, visitors have reported 32 break-ins at parks, five of them on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Dorbrook Park.
“It’s happening much more than we would have expected,” said Andrew Spears, assistant director of the Monmouth County Park System. “It’s something we consider a serious problem.”
Break-ins and thefts have occurred in the parking lots of a dozen parks, among them Thompson, Tatum, Deep Cut Gardens and Sunnyside Equestrian Center, all located in Middletown. There have also been reports from Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook in Atlantic Highlands, Holmdel Park, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, Bel Aire-Golf Course in Wall Township, the East Freehold Showgrounds, The Union Transportation parking lots in Upper Freehold, and the large Manasquan Reservoir and Shark River Parks.
In most cases, a window was broken and an item of value was taken from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said Spears. Almost always, it was something that was visible from the outside, such as a purse, wallet, diaper bag, backpack or laptop, he added.
Local police are investigating the incidents.
“Our advice to visitors is to lock it in the trunk or put it in a back hidden compartment or take it with you,” said Spears. “Putting it on the floor or seat with a blanket on it is no good. They can tell when someone has gone for a run and leaves something valuable on the floor.”
The county parks department is ramping up its visitor awareness campaign. In addition to the signs, there will be reminders on its webpage and social media pages.
Spears said the parks will continue to work with local police and the county prosecutor’s office to improve security and patrol plans. “Park System Rangers are on duty dawn to dusk, and often well after dark, in all of our parks and will continue to increase patrols in and around our parking lots,” he said.
Visitors should report suspicious behavior to Park Rangers at 732-577-8700 or to local police.
The article originally appeared in the February 27- March 4, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
