High-end car burlgaries are on the rise in central New Jersey with reports of thefts of luxury vehicles in Rumson, Fair Haven, Marlboro, as well as multiple reports in Manalapan Townshipthroughout the fall. Another car theft has been reported in Manalapan this January, along with a couple of car break-ins and vandalism.

No matter the municipality, the thiefs are taking the upscale vehicles straight from the owners driveway. Police have cautioned residents to lock their car doors and make sure their keys or key fobs are not too close to the vehicle as many newer models do not require the key to be inserted into the ignition, but just need to be close enough to the car for the car to start.

Police said that sometime between 6 p.m. on Jan. 9 and 1:20 a.m. on Jan. 10 a 2009 black Mercedes Benz, valued at $56,000 was stolen from a driveway on Molly Pitcher Drive. The car owner had left the vehicle unlocked with the key inside.

A day earlier a 2008 Jeep Wrangler was broken into and two pairs of sunglasses, valued at about $300 were stolen. The vehicle was parked in the driveway of a Holiday Road home, according to police.

On Jan. 11 two tires on a 2001 GMC Yukon were slashed while it was parked on Quail Court. The cost of the tires is estimated to be approximately $500. If anyone has any information regarding this vandalism, please contact the Manalapan Police Department at 732-446-4300; all information will be kept confidential.