Brief: SPPD Investigates 8 Reported Car Burglaries

Police are investigating a string of car burglaries that occurred in the northeast quadrant of Scotch Plains last week. Residents reported eight separate vehicle burglaries on July 1, the Scotch Plains Police Department reported in a news release.

Between 11 p.m. last Thursday and 5:30 a.m. Friday, an unknown suspect or suspects entered cars that were parked on Muir Terrace, O'Donnell Avenue and Redwood Road, making off with cash, change, GPS units and other items. All of the vehicles were unlocked, the press release stated.

Police believe the incidents are related "because of the proximity and timeframe," Detective Sgt. Dennis Murphy wrote in an email. Police are also investigating whether the latest incidents could be connected to a similar overnight string of 13 vehicle burglaries that were reported in April. The potential relationship between the incidents remains unclear until someone is apprehended, Murphy said.

Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles when left unattended, and to report any suspicious person or activity to the .