For Immediate Release:  September 26, 2019

The Atlantic City Police Department has seen a recent rise in stolen motor vehicles and is urging residents and visitors to lock their car doors and take the vehicle’s keys or key fobs with them.  Nearly half of the vehicles were stolen after the keys or key fobs were located in the vehicle by the suspect.  Many more are assumed of being stolen in the same manner, but not reported to officers. 

The leaving of keys in a vehicle led to an arrest of two 12-year-old males on September 25.  At 2:17 pm, patrol officers responded to the 500 block of Oriental Avenue for a report of a vehicle that was involved in a hit and run, and fled the area.  At the same time, Officer Anthony Casale responded to the beach block of Morris Avenue for a report of a stolen vehicle.  The owner parked his car and left his keys inside as he went inside a local hotel.  Officer Casale was able to confirm the vehicle information after hearing the description of the hit and run vehicle.  It was never determined what the vehicle struck. 

Approximately 25 minutes later, the vehicle was observed on Pacific Avenue.  Officers Valmir Loga and Jeffrey Hannon attempted a motor vehicle stop at California and Pacific Avenues, but both occupants ran from car.  The occupants, both 12-year-old males, were quickly arrested.  Officers recovered a small amount of marijuana in the car.

ARRESTED:  A 12-year-old male from Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Receiving stolen property, theft, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

ARRESTED:  A 12-year-old male from Atlantic City.

CHARGES:  Receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

The males were released into the custody of their parent.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766 or text anonymously to tip411 (847411).  Begin the text with ACPD.

Alert sent on 09/26/2019 at 11:08AM EDT

To submit a tip via text message text ACPD and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Atlantic City PD, Business Alerts, Press Releases, Westside Civic Association, Westside Homeowners Protective Association, Tanger Outlet, Chelsea Neighborhood Civic Association, Venice Park Civic Association, Marina District, Stanley Homes Village, First Ward Civic Association, Carver Hall, Chelsea Heights, Bungalow Park Civic Association, The Cove Condo Association, CRDA, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Security Directors , and City Adminstration

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