Police in one Essex County, New Jersey community are speaking out after a rash of vehicle thefts and home burglaries.
Fairfield Police Department's public information officer Stacy Chiarolanza says Fairfield has had more occupied home burglaries this year than ever before. There's also been a rash of high end vehicle thefts, including three in the lasts couple weeks. Chiarolanza says gangs are recruiting younger members to commit the crimes because the consequences are not severe enough.
"The penalties for a juvenile in the state of New Jersey are basically nothing. Even though an adult might get arrested, they are still released without bail."
She's urging residents to keep vehicle and home doors and windows locked and keep car keys and money out of the kitchen.