Watch CBS News
/ CBS Philadelphia
Three teenagers have been arrested for theft after police claim they rummaged through upwards of 20 unlocked cars in Gloucester City, New Jersey, over the weekend. There’s a twist: not only are the teens in trouble with the law, but so are some of their parents.
The Gloucester City Police Department said the burglaries happened over the weekend in the city’s Highland Park neighborhood.
Video shared with CBS News Philadelphia appears to show the three suspects pulling on door handles to check for unlocked vehicles. Police said the teens would move on if the door were locked.
Police said two teens, ages 16 and 17, from Camden and a 19-year-old from Cherry Hill were arrested and charged with 28 offenses, including burglary, theft, criminal mischief and possession of stolen credit/debit cards.
The 19-year-old had active warrants and was turned over to the Camden County Metro Police Department, police said. The underage teens were given ankle monitors and released.
A total of two parents, one for each underage teen, were charged with failing to supervise their children under a Gloucester City ordinance that’s been on the books since the 1990s.
Gloucester City officials said in recent years, the language of the ordinance has been retooled to include criminal activity.
“People think you can come through Gloucester and cause mischief, cause crime,” Councilmember Ed Cilurso said. “We’re not doing that. We’re not backing down. This is good. It’s been out since the 90s. Recently, it went through some changes and was passed by the mayor and council, and now we’re happy it’s enforceable.”
If convicted, each parent could face a maximum fine of $500, authorities said.
Investigators said there could be more unreported incidents of car theft. They’re asking Highland Park residents to check their home surveillance cameras, check their cars and report any missing property.
Tom Dougherty is a digital content producer for CBS Philadelphia. Before joining CBS Philadelphia, Tom covered sports for NBC Sports Philadelphia. He currently covers breaking news and sports.
© 2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Related Article
