Suspects sought in string of car burglaries in New Jersey

CLARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in Clark, New Jersey are trying to track down the suspects involved in a series of car burglaries in the town.

The cars were left unlocked and personal items were taken.

Clark police released surveillance video from one of the streets where the burglaries occurred, Wheatsheaf Road.

"Very scary that someone is going through your cars, looking at your belongings and what you have," said Joyce Cieslak, one of many residents on high alert after the release of the video by Clark Township police.

At around 7 a.m. on May 1st, a car is seen pulling up, one guy comes out and goes straight for one of the many cars in the lot. Two other men join him, and whichever cars were open, they entered.

"One thing we found on almost every occasion is that these cars were unlocked," said Police Chief Pedro Matos. "These happen on side roads where it's quieter, darker, less traveled in the early morning hours. "

Four out of the seven cars that can be seen in the video were unlocked. Police say two other blocks were hit Thomas Drive and Grove Street. 14 cars were burglarized in all.

"Biggest thing that people can do is lock their cars, keep valuables out of sight, and lock your cars, that's a definite," said Matos.

It's a simple warning, and it's one Cieslak and other neighbors are following.

"Now every time we leave we lock our doors," she said.

"Oh I always lock my car..been putting the alarm on my house too more, more often than not," said Bob Guarino.

Investigators believe the same group is responsible.

So far this year, Clark police say they have reported 28 motor vehicle burglaries.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Clark Police Department.