Attempted Car Break-In Prompts 'Lock Up' Warning From Parsippany Police

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Parsippany Township police are warning residents to make sure their homes and vehicles are locked up after a recent attempted vehicle break-in was reported in the Powdermill Section of town.

According to the police, on Wednesday morning, there was an attempted vehicle break-in at a local residence. Officials said that the suspects also attempted to break into the resident’s backyard but were unsuccessful due to a fence.

The suspects were not identified by police.

"Please make sure all of your vehicle and home doors and windows are secured when left unoccupied and during the overnight hours. Consider performing a Home Security Assessment which identifies vulnerabilities in your home’s security," the police department said.

Despite Wednesday's theft attempt, the police department reported a decrease in certain property crimes over the last two months, including vehicle burglaries and thefts.

According to Richard Pantina, Parsippany's police chief, the police department has made some changes in order to reallocate the department's "manpower" to where it is most needed to help combat any crime trends.

Patrols have increased in residential areas and the department is rolling out different techniques, tactics, and technology to help further reduce and hopefully eliminate these incidents.

"While there has been a decline, they are still occurring in Parsippany and other towns. These incidents can occur at any time, but criminals favor the overnight hours where they can use the cover of darkness to assist in concealing themselves," police said.

Here are steps you can take to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim:

• If you see something suspicious, report it immediately
• Lock your vehicle
• Remove garage door openers from vehicles
• Keep exterior lights on overnight, which includes lighting in the backyard
• Utilize an alarm system that not only has window or door sensors but also shock or glass brake sensors
• If you have a fence, make sure the gates are locked to delay and/or deter criminals.

The police department also encouraged people to use Mayor James Barberio's new Home Security Self-Assessment brochure, which includes recommendations and insights on solutions to consider in home security.

Download a copy here: https://tinyurl.com/ParHomeSecurityFillable or pick up a booklet at the following locations:

• Parsippany Town Hall: 1001 Parsippany Blvd.

• Parsippany Police HQ: 3339 US 46

• Parsippany Community Center: 1130 Knoll Rd.

• Parsippany PAL: 33Baldwin Rd.

• Parsippany Library: 449 Halsey Rd.

This past year, more residents in Parsippany have recently expressed an interest in organizing a neighborhood watch, possibly in response to business burglaries and an increase in auto burglaries earlier this summer.

According to Barberio, on Oct. 3, he held a "Coffee with the Mayor" meeting in conjunction with the Parsippany Police Department, where they addressed residents' concerns and Officer Remo D’Alessandro presented a home security seminar.

“We have a great resource in our police department and Officer D’Alessandro. I’m happy to provide these coffees with the mayors, where I can engage with residents and facilitate information to make their lives safer and provide peace of mind,” Barberio said.

According to officials, all neighborhood watch programs in Parsippany are held in partnership with the Parsippany Police Department and with the assistance of D’Alessandro.

Recently, some residents have even banded together and formed a Parsippany Neighborhood Watch group, which has held three meetings with the goal of "ensuring unity and safety in our town."