Police in Holmdel say there was at least one incident over the holiday weekend as they continue their crackdown on high-end car thefts in Jersey Shore communities, tracking down anyone who may be responsible or involved in the ring of vehicle thefts.

The first incident in Holmdel happened Thanksgiving just before 7 a.m., when police say a homeowner saw a man inside his home. The man ran into a waiting vehicle in the driveway, possibly a Range Rover, and that SUV then sped away. The homeowner had several high-end vehicles parked in his driveway, and police say the man went into the home looking for the keys.

Another incident early Saturday morning ended with the arrest of a 24-year-old from Newark after police pulled over a slow-moving suspicious BMW near Deercrest Drive and White Birch Lane. The driver was questioned and released, but the passenger was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

The second incident, although not specifically linked to the thefts by Holmdel police, mirrors past incidents described by the prosecutor's office. 

According to prosecutors, young recruits, often juveniles, are sent from Essex County to Jersey Shore communities to scout for luxury vehicles parked on the street or in the driveway.

Prosecutors say the recruits usually operate from 11 p.m. to sunrise, using unlocked doors and key fobs left inside to simply drive the vehicles back north where they're stripped for parts, sold on the black market and even shipped overseas. 

Vehicle thefts have increased dramatically in 2020 in Holmdel and surrounding areas. Police say to keep vehicles and homes locked, and key fobs inside homes to prevent thefts.