Vehicles were stolen from Atlantic City, Longport and Mays Landing over the weekend, sparking a multi-jurisdictional investigation.
Police from Longport, Margate, Ventnor and Atlantic City were involved in the investigation, which turned up two of the vehicles, while a third has yet to be located.
A black BMW X7 was reported stolen Friday from the 100 block of North 26th Avenue in Longport, Longport Police Sgt. Ray Burgan said. Police also discovered a silver Honda Accord was stolen out of Mays Landing in front of a neighboring residence.
A check of local surveillance footage showed the Honda was dropped off at 11:47 p.m. and the BMW stolen shortly thereafter. Police entered the BMW into a database of stolen vehicles.
Longport Patrolman Liam Nolan located the BMW being driven west on Ventnor Avenue in Ventnor City. Ventnor and Margate departments were advised, and Margate police located the vehicle on Atlantic Avenue. However, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed before it could be apprehended.
The BMW was later found abandoned behind a residence in the 1500 block of Baltic Avenue in Atlantic City. Nolan took custody of the stolen vehicle and later released it to its owner with front passenger side damage.
Longport Sgt. Quinton Wright saw a black Hyundai Sonata traveling in the wrong direction on the unit block of North 36th Avenue near Winchester Avenue on Monday.
The vehicle was seen turning into the driveway of a residence in the area, where it made a U-turn and headed toward Ventnor Avenue. Wright attempted a motor vehicle stop near Washington and Ventnor avenues in Margate but the vehicle sped away.
Wright called dispatch to alert Margate, Ventnor and Atlantic City police departments of the fleeing vehicle, which was occupied by a black male wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt.
Police contacted the owner of the Hyundai who revealed it was stolen out of Atlantic City. The vehicle is still missing, Burgan said.
“The Longport Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents once again about the importance of securing their vehicles and removing the keys to prevent car thefts,” he said in a release. “It is crucial to keep valuables out of sight and to always lock doors and windows to deter potential thieves. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.”
Longport police extended gratitude to their fellow law enforcement officers in Margate, Ventnor and Atlantic City for their assistance during the incidents.
“Their quick response and cooperation helped ensure the safety of our community,” Burgan said.
Anyone with information regarding the stolen vehicles or the suspect involved, is asked to call Longport Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Ray Burgan at 609-822-2141 or email burgan_ray@longportpd.org
