Over the weekend, a series of vehicle thefts occurred in Atlantic City, Longport, and Mays Landing, prompting a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving police from Longport, Margate, Ventnor, and Atlantic City. The thefts resulted in the disappearance of a black BMW X7 from Longport and a silver Honda Accord from Mays Landing. While the Honda was dropped off and the BMW stolen shortly after, only two of the stolen vehicles have been located thus far.
Longport Police Sgt. Ray Burgan reported that the black BMW X7 was stolen from the 100 block of North 26th Avenue in Longport on Friday. Additionally, a silver Honda Accord was reported stolen from Mays Landing in front of a neighboring residence. Surveillance footage revealed that the Honda was dropped off at 11:47 p.m., followed by the theft of the BMW. The stolen BMW was entered into a database of stolen vehicles, leading to its eventual recovery.
Longport Patrolman Liam Nolan spotted the stolen BMW being driven in Ventnor City on Ventnor Avenue. Despite efforts by Ventnor and Margate police to intercept the vehicle on Atlantic Avenue, the BMW managed to flee at a high speed. Eventually, the BMW was found abandoned behind a residence on Baltic Avenue in Atlantic City, with front passenger side damage. The vehicle was returned to its owner following the recovery.
In a separate incident, Longport Sgt. Quinton Wright encountered a black Hyundai Sonata traveling in the wrong direction on North 36th Avenue near Winchester Avenue. The vehicle was observed turning into a driveway before speeding away towards Ventnor Avenue. Despite Wright’s attempt to stop the vehicle near Washington and Ventnor avenues in Margate, the vehicle evaded capture. The Hyundai was later confirmed to be stolen out of Atlantic City and remains missing.
Longport Police emphasized the importance of securing vehicles and removing keys to prevent car thefts. They advised residents to keep valuables out of sight, lock doors and windows, and report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. The department expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers in Margate, Ventnor, and Atlantic City for their swift response and cooperation during the incidents.
Anyone with information regarding the stolen vehicles or the suspect involved is urged to contact Longport Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Ray Burgan at 609-822-2141 or via email at burgan_ray@longportpd.org. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing vehicle and apprehend the perpetrator.