N.J. County Records 450 Carjackings in '13
The 450 carjackings in Essex County, N.J., in 2013 set an all-time record for a county that includes the crime-ridden city of Newark and an upscale shopping center that draws suburbanites.
The 450 carjackings in Essex County, N.J., in 2013 set an all-time record for a county that includes the crime-ridden city of Newark and an upscale shopping center that draws suburbanites.
Carjackings have steadily increased in Essex County since 2011, when 277 were recorded, reports Fox News. In 2012, 422 carjackings were recorded. In the 1990s, Newark was dubbed the "car theft capitol of the world."
In December, a 30-year-old attorney, Dustin Friedland, was fatally shot during a carjacking at The Mall at Short Hills. His silver Range Rover was later recovered abandoned in Newark.
Essex County prosecutors have launched a public awareness campaign highlighting stiff penalties for convicted carjackers.
Related:
More Safety

Which Fleet Types Have the Highest Severe Speeding Rates?
New research from SambaSafety finds significant differences in speeding rates across fleet industries, even as nearly 90% of surveyed fleets report using telematics.
Read More →
When a Cyberattack Hits Your Fleet: What Happens Next?
“You have two opportunities to test your plans: when you choose or when the threat actor chooses.” A cybersecurity expert reveals what fleet managers need to know before a cyberattack puts their operations at risk — and why the decisions made in the first moments can shape the entire recovery.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New IIHS crash avoidance ratings show uneven performance among cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups, with most struggling to avoid vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →