Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro advises residents that there has been a very significant uptick in recent vehicle thefts and attempted vehicle thefts, including residential burglaries and attempted residential burglaries in which high-end vehicles appeared to be the intended target.

Over the last thirty (30) days, five (5) vehicles have been reported stolen in Westfield, including one taken during the afternoon hours on Christmas day.

Recent vehicle thefts have occurred at the following locations: 500 block of Central Avenue on November 30, 2023.

10 block of Stoneleigh Park on December 8, 2023.

1000 block of Rahway Avenue (2 vehicles) on December 17, 2023.

500 block of Cumberland Street on December 25, 2023.

“Our officers are routinely engaging vehicle theft suspects,” stated Chief Battiloro, who noted Westfield officers pursued a stolen vehicle entering Westfield via Central Avenue Thursday night at approximately 8:58 p.m. – just hours before a Cranford officer was shot during an incident occurring on the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge as a result of an incident originating in that jurisdiction.

Chief Battiloro once again strongly urges residents to secure their homes and vehicles at all times, and to immediately report all suspicious persons, vehicles and/or activities immediately via 9-1-1.

“Vehicle theft suspects should never be confronted,” warned Chief Battiloro. “They could be armed and should be considered extremely dangerous,” he added. The Westfield Police Department’s thoughts and prayers are with the Cranford Police Department.