MADISON, NJ — The Madison Borough Police Department is once again drawing attention to the community's ongoing theft problem.

Following two attempted home invasions in Madison in recent weeks, as well as a successful car theft in Chatham this week, police have joined forces in an effort to reduce auto theft.

A coalition of police departments from around southeast Morris County are now actively working together to address the growing concern of stolen vehicles and potential violent crimes.

The goal of the meeting, according to Madison Police, was to form a task force that will soon begin patrolling the streets and collaborate in an effort to reduce auto theft.

According to police, criminals are breaking into homes using remote garage door openers obtained from unlocked cars, unlocked residence windows/doors, or simply forcing open residence windows and doors. Once inside, they search for and steal key fobs and other valuables before driving away with residents' cars.

During a recent Borough Council meeting, resident Michael Martinez spoke to the council, recounting the incident and urging the council to advocate for tougher crime-fighting policies.

"The paralyzing fear, the difficult decisions and bad thoughts running through my head in those moments are still difficult to fully articulate and I pray that no other family in Madison bears that burden anytime soon," Martinez said.

The Madison Borough Police Department once again advised residents to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables, key fobs, and garage door openers from their vehicles when they arrive home and store them inside their homes.

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