Police report navigation system thefts

NORTH BRUNSWICK - An increasing number of navigation systems have been stolen out of vehicles parked in the township over the past few months, with a rash of thefts occurring by Regal Cinemas over the past two weeks.

A 2004 Toyota Corolla on July 21, a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country on July 22 and a 2007 Saturn Ion on July 23 had their driver's-side windows broken and global positioning units removed in the movie theater parking lot on Route 1.

In addition, units have also been stolen from a 2003 Ford Mustang parked on Stevens Street on July 21; a 1997 Honda Accord by Bed, Bath & Beyond on Route 1 on July 22; a vehicle by Babies "R" Us on Route 1 on July 24; a vehicle at Longhorn's Steakhouse on Route 1 on July 26; and a 2003 Lexus RX300 by Marshall's on Route 1 on July 27.

Police believe the incidents could be related, especially the thefts from Regal, and are investigating the matter, according to Lt. Roger Reinson, the public information officer for the police department.

"We are trying, definitely, to resolve the problem and are trying to catch someone in the act," he said.

Reinson said that navigation thefts have increased recently and that the best thing for vehicle owners to do is to not leave the system in the car while it is parked.

- Jennifer Amato