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Message From Town Leaders
Councilman Roc White

Message from Councilman Roc White | July 13, 2023

Despite the superb work of the Scotch Plains Police Department, we are still experiencing ongoing car thefts in our community.

We have been working closely with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union County Police Chiefs Associations to address what has become a chronic issue.

Through the urging of Scotch Plains and neighboring communities, I am pleased the county is taking additional measures, such as partnering with Union County Crime Stoppers to reduce car thefts and burglaries in Union County.

This newly-announced partnership will allow Scotch Plains residents to anonymously report tips about these crimes. In fact, Union County Crime Stoppers will offer rewards of up to $10,000 to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and indictment.

In making this important announcement, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel said he is eager to send a message to criminals that car thefts and burglaries will not be tolerated here.

“By working with Union County Crime Stoppers, we are giving people a safe and anonymous way to report crime and holding those who commit these and all crimes accountable,” the prosecutor said.

Through Union County Crime Stoppers, tipsters never need to reveal their names, whether they call the 24-hour hotline number or submit a tip via Union County Crime Stoppers website. 

The Union County Police, in cooperation with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Union County Police Chiefs Association, receive and coordinate all tips submitted to the Union County Crime Stoppers program.

Anyone with information about a car theft, burglary, or any crime is urged to call Union County Crime Stoppers at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip via the website UCtip.org. Again, it is important to note, these tips can be submitted anonymously and are extremely important to share.

It is also important to recognize that all of us need to do our part to curtail the spike in car thefts. Scotch Plains police remind residents that there are basic ways to keep your vehicle safe, such as:

  • locking your doors,
  • removing your keys and fobs from your vehicle,
  • closing the windows,
  • parking in well-lit areas, and
  • installing anti-theft devices, immobilizer systems and tracking technology.

Please be on the lookout for any suspicious persons at all hours of the day. If you see groups of individuals walking up and down our streets, peering into vehicles, or trying door handles, please immediately call the Scotch Plains police. Officers can then promptly respond and investigate further.

Also, if you hear any noises during early morning hours, or if your pets alert you that they detect someone outside your house, notify police.

It is my hope that this new partnership at the county level, as well as a vigilant public throughout Scotch Plains, can help ensure our neighborhoods are finally protected from this thievery.

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