Thieves targeting luxury cars parked with valets in New Jersey

PARAMUS (WABC) -- Thieves in New Jersey have been targeting luxury cars dropped off at valet parking and car dealerships.

They wait for valets or dealers to park the expensive vehicles with the keys left inside, then drive.

Several thefts, including those involving a Porsche and Mercedes, were caught on camera in Paramus and Secaucus.

"They weren't walking around. They got right out and got what they wanted," said Paramus detective Craig McEllen, who says it's becoming a common crime.

Paramus police released video showing the quick crime of opportunity at the Ridgewood Country Club.

"They count on people being distracted and take advantage of it," said Detective McEllen. "They jump in as soon as people are looking away, as soon as people leave the keys with the engine is running. And they're off in a second."

In the video, a black newer model Infinit drives up to the parking lot at the country club with tinted windows and no license plate Saturday night.

Two men quickly get out of the car and hop in to two late model Mercedes Benz sedans, each worth more than $100,000.

The valet parking workers were busy moving other vehicles.

"They are usually pretty brazen, not concerned whether people see them or not. They're looking to make a quick getaway before anyone realizes what happened," said McEllen.

Investigators say the same thing happened at a Mercedes dealership in Paramus, and at Bareli's Restaurant in Secaucus.

Paramus police say they look similar and could be connected.