String of car thefts anger Washington Township residents: ‘Get a job!’

Four cars were stolen by a group of teenagers in the early morning hours on Friday, July 11, in Washington Township, New Jersey, police said.

According to police, between 3 and 5 a.m. Friday, the cars were stolen out of the South Jersey town.

In every instance, the car was unlocked. And, in three of the thefts, the key fob was in plain view, police said.

“I’ve been the police chief here now going on 9 years. I’ve never seen or experienced anything like it,” Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik.

Gurcsik said the “crimes of opportunity” like the ones that took place Friday are happening more and more both locally and across the Garden State.

“Our suspects were wearing masks; they were wearing gloves, and they appear to be very, very young; like 13, 14, 15 and 16-years-old, so our group of thieves appear to be juveniles,” Gurcsik said.

Michael Bangle, a resident of Washington Township, was able to capture the suspects on surveillance video as they tried to steal his car.

Thankfully for Bangle, the thieves were unsuccessful in stealing his vehicle.

“We lock our cars whenever we get out of it; and at nighttime before bed, I always come out and check them. Always, like clockwork, I make sure,” Bangle said.

Bangle said his neighbor on Uranus Road was not as fortunate, as the criminals were able to steal their white Chrysler 300 in around 30 seconds.

““Get a job! Get a job! If you can do that, go and steal cars, go get a job somewhere, or go get a real job,” Bangle said.

Police were able to recover three of the four vehicles stolen, Gurcsik said.

According to Gurcsik, criminals often steal cars to commit more serious crimes.

One of the cars stolen on Friday was used in a high-speed chase in Pennsauken, he said.

Although no arrests have been made in the thefts, Gurcsik is warning wannabe thieves to stay away.

“Stay out of Washington Township,” Gurcsik said. “We’ll prosecute you 100%.”

Residents are also urged to report any suspicious activity, as well as to remember to bring in their key fobs and lock their doors.