NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stopped more than 600 attempts this year to ship stolen vehicles overseas through the Port of Newark.<\/p>\n
Security camera videos provided by homeowners captured intruders entering homes while families slept upstairs and searching drawers and bags for key fobs to high-end vehicles parked outside.<\/p>\n
Many of the stolen vehicles ultimately end up in containers at the Port of Newark before being shipped to overseas buyers, generating millions of dollars for criminal organizations.<\/p>\n
Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security said the effort has prevented millions of dollars’ worth of stolen vehicles from leaving the country.<\/p>\n
“Keeping over $36 million in stolen property from leaving this country, but behind those numbers are real victims, every single one of those vehicles were taken from someone — a family, a commuter, a small business.”<\/p>\n
Customs and Border Protection displayed several high-end vehicles investigators recovered after they were stolen.<\/p>\n
“This illegal trade represents a significant loss for American consumers, businesses and insurance companies and it undermines the integrity of our borders,” said TenaVel Thomas, U.S. Customs and Border Protection port director.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement agencies involved in efforts to break up the theft rings discussed their ongoing work at the Port of Newark but did not disclose their tactics.<\/p>\n
Officials also urged vehicle owners to take precautions that could make it more difficult for thieves to steal their cars.<\/p>\n
“Never leave their cars and key fobs in vehicles, keep doors locked, windows closed, park your cars in well-lit areas,” Hudson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Paterson Pasteur said.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * More New Jersey news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n