2 Teens Charged For Attempted Car Thefts In Galloway: Police

GALLOWAY, NJ — Two Galloway teenagers have been charged after extra police patrols caught them attempting to burglarize cars in Moss Hill Hollow, police said.

A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were in all black walking north on Wrangleboro Road on March 29 around 10:15 p.m., Galloway police said.

Police were in the area in an unmarked vehicle to try and catch suspects after a recent rash of motor vehicle burglaries and thefts struck the Club and Smithville sections of town.

Officers watched as the two young men put on masks and gloves as they entered Mourning Dove Way, in the Moss Hill Hollow development, police said.

The two were seen pulling on car door handles in an attempt to burglarize them, police said.

Uniformed police set up a perimeter to prevent the teens from escaping, and then approached them, identifying themselves as police, according to police.

The teens fled the area on foot but were apprehended after a short chase, police said.

Police found items stolen from a vehicle on Shawnee Place in the teens' possession, and the two are suspected to have stolen more in the area, police said.

The two were charged with motor vehicle burglary, theft, resisting arrest by flight, obstructing law enforcement, receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools and curfew violations, according to police.

They were released to the custody of their guardians, police said.

"The GTPD remains dedicated to the service and protection of all of our residents as well as their property," police said. "We will remain vigilant in our response to crimes such as these and our efforts to deter future incidents."

Galloway police also reminded residents that the best theft deterrent is to keep vehicles locked at all times, and keep valuables hidden from plain sight.