Cold Weather Car Thief Caught, Palmyra Police Say

Starting your car in the driveway to warm it up before work is a smart idea … until someone steals it.

That’s exactly what happened to an unfortunate Palmyra resident last month, according to police.

Palmyra Police said an East Henry Street resident had started her vehicle early the morning of Dec. 16 and left it in the driveway unlocked while she got ready inside. When she went back out, the vehicle was gone.

Police entered the vehicle into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as stolen and detectives began to investigate. The vehicle was found two days in Ewing. Palmyra detectives were advised by various agencies throughout Burlington County and the state that they might have a suspect.

Police tracked down 19-year-old Roberto Alicea, of Delran, who confessed to stealing the vehicle, according to a report. He was charged with theft of movable property and was lodged in Burlington County Jail on charges from other jurisdictions.