Police: Young teens wanted in high-speed chase related to Woodcliff Lake burglary

Woodcliff Lake police say that when it comes to car thefts in the state, ‘it’s the wildest it’s ever been.”

News 12 Staff

Sep 16, 2022, 11:00 AM

Updated 760 days ago

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Woodcliff Lake police say that when it comes to car thefts in the state, ‘it’s the wildest it’s ever been.”
Officers dealt with another attempted home burglary and car theft this week. It was the second time in three weeks that this particular family was targeted.
Surveillance video shows two teens, who were completely covered to hide their identities, throwing a large rock through a glass door. They failed at the attempt and quickly ran away.
Police say that the suspects appear to be only 13 to 16 years old.
“You hear them talking and they have that 13- to 14-year-old voices. That prepubescent high-pitched voice. And they sound like children,” says Lt. Chad Malloy.
Malloy says the incident happened Wednesday around 12:45 a.m. The homeowners were inside and called the police.
“This unfortunate resident was burglarized three weeks ago also,” says Malloy. “During that burglary, they were able to get a hold of that second car key."
Police say that on Aug. 25 someone broke in and stole a BMW, as well as the key fob for a second BMW. Police say that the suspects returned for that second vehicle in Wednesday’s attempt.
When they got to the house, police say the two teenage car thieves started pressing the key fob over and over again, making the alarm go on and off. They could hear it was in the garage. But that wasn't going to stop them. Police say they wanted to get into the garage and steal the family's second BMW.
Police responded and saw the two suspects speeding away in an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a car that was stolen from Garfield. One police officer was right in front of them.
"They came right at him. He swerved, they just kept going. They don't care,” says Malloy.
Police chased after the teens, who drove onto the Garden State Parkway and reached speeds of 120 mph before getting into Newark. Police say it was there that they ditched the SUV and escaped on foot.
Police stopped the pursuit when speeds became unsafe.
Car thefts are at an all-time high in New Jersey, and more thieves are breaking into homes to get keys, according to authorities.
"Don't be afraid to call. Don't wait until after they leave, call us right away. We'll check it out,” says Malloy.
Police say the family in Woodcliff Lake is afraid to be in their own home.
"They feel extremely violated at this point, scared. I can't imagine what it's like to have your personal space like that violated twice,” Malloy says.
Police say that teenagers are often used to commit these crimes because if they do get caught the penalties won't likely include jail time. It's not clear if these cars were wanted for illegal resale or simply a joyride.