Lock Your CarsStop us if you have heard this before. Actually, no, don’t stop us, because this apparently needs to be stated again, and a little bit more bluntly for some people: Residents are leaving their cars unlocked, and their key fobs easily accessible to criminals, and as a result the township is dealing with a weekly barrage of vehicle thefts and burglaries.Of course, there is a simple way to stop this crime spree. Just lock your doors! We promise it is not that difficult. We suspect, in the era of push-to-start ignitions, more people are leaving their fobs in their vehicles overnight. Perhaps some of it is even simple forgetfulness. Still, it is well worth the effort to break these habits if it may save yourself the trouble of reporting your stolen car.Yet, it is clear, and has been for some time, that some people will simply never change their habits, be it out of ignorance or arrogance. Imagine having so little care for your personal property that you cannot be bothered to lock your expensive luxury car, despite the fact that the town you live in reports car burglaries and thefts on a weekly basis? We surely can’t.There is not much that can be done to encourage people to lock their cars that hasn’t already been done. We have covered the thefts extensively. In addition to the Tribune, the Livingston Police Department, Township Council, and countless others have urged residents to lock their cars. Currently, there is a digital sign outside of Town Hall encouraging residents to make sure their cars are secured.It should be noted that this isn’t simply the problem of the car owner whose property or vehicle is stolen. It takes hours of time and resources for police officers and detectives to take these reports, investigate them, and track down the lost vehicles and items. That costs taxpayer dollars. In that way, your neighbor not locking their car really is your direct problem.And with each passing theft, Livingston continues to develop a reputation as a town with nice cars that owners don’t bother to lock; sometimes they are even helpful enough to leave the key inside. Pull on the doors of enough vehicles in this town, and a few of them are bound to open. We are making it so easy, so inviting even, to criminals. Soon, we will be reporting that people are leaving ...
