Police Dismantle Vehicle Theft Operation in Ocean County

Toms River police have arrested five individuals connected to an organized auto theft ring responsible for dozens of vehicle thefts across Ocean County since January. The suspects, ranging in age from 19 to 24, allegedly targeted high-end vehicles in residential neighborhoods during overnight hours, using sophisticated electronic devices to bypass security systems and keyless ignition technology.

The months-long investigation, conducted by the Toms River Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit in collaboration with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, culminated in early morning raids at three locations on Tuesday, recovering seven stolen vehicles valued at over $400,000 along with electronic hacking equipment and multiple sets of fraudulent license plates.

Crime Group Targeted Luxury Vehicles

Investigators report that the operation primarily targeted high-value vehicles including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover models equipped with keyless entry and push-button ignition systems. The thieves employed signal-boosting technology to intercept and amplify key fob signals from inside victims’ homes, allowing them to unlock and start vehicles without the physical key present.

“These weren’t crimes of opportunity but a sophisticated operation employing technology specifically designed to defeat modern vehicle security,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy in a press conference Wednesday. The theft ring operated methodically, conducting surveillance of targeted neighborhoods before executing the thefts, which typically occurred between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Technology Played Central Role in Crimes

Electronic equipment seized during the raids reveals the technical sophistication of the operation. Devices recovered include signal amplifiers capable of extending key fob ranges from inside homes to vehicles parked in driveways, signal jammers that prevent vehicles from communicating with central locking systems, and diagnostic tools that can program blank key fobs to match specific vehicles.

According to investigators, most vehicles were stolen within minutes using these electronic methods, leaving little evidence and few witnesses. The group allegedly maintained a secure warehouse facility where stolen vehicles were temporarily stored before being transported out of state, with several eventually destined for overseas markets.

Regional Impact Sparked Multi-Agency Response

The investigation began in February after Toms River experienced a 57% increase in auto thefts compared to the same period last year. As similar patterns emerged in neighboring communities, law enforcement officials established a task force to coordinate resources and intelligence across jurisdictions.

Participating agencies included police departments from Brick Township, Lakewood, Manchester, and Berkeley, alongside state and county authorities. This collaborative approach provided crucial breakthrough evidence when license plate readers in multiple towns captured images of vehicles being transported along consistent routes following thefts.

Residents Urged to Take Precautions

Despite the arrests, authorities are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and take preventative measures to protect their vehicles. Recommendations include storing key fobs in signal-blocking containers when not in use, installing steering wheel locks as visible deterrents, and using home security cameras to monitor driveways and parking areas.

“While we’ve dismantled this particular operation, the technology they exploited remains widely available,” noted Toms River Police Chief Mitchell Little. “Vehicle owners should consider these security measures as essential supplements to factory security systems, which alone may not provide adequate protection against these advanced techniques.”

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The five suspects face multiple charges including conspiracy, theft of motor vehicles, possession of burglary tools, and receiving stolen property. Two defendants also face additional charges related to illegal possession of weapons discovered during the raids. All five remain in the Ocean County Jail awaiting detention hearings scheduled for Friday.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer indicated that the investigation remains active, with authorities working to determine if additional suspects were involved in the operation. The prosecutor’s office is also cooperating with authorities in neighboring counties where similar theft patterns have been reported in recent months.