Montclair is often seen as one of New Jersey’s more desirable places to live, but like any community, it isn’t immune to crime. Recent conversations with residents, local law enforcement, and security experts reveal a nuanced picture: while violent crime remains relatively low, property crimes like home burglaries and car thefts have surged—and so have residents’ anxieties.
A Safe Town, But Not Without Risks
Data from NeighborhoodScout.com shows Montclair is safer than approximately 63% of U.S. cities, with violent crime rates on par with the national average. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime here is about 1 in 865. Property crime, however, tells a different story. The odds of facing a burglary, larceny, or car theft are about 1 in 205—lower than some neighboring towns like Bloomfield and West Orange, but still enough to create concern.
And concern is exactly what many residents are feeling. On social media, in casual conversations, and now through platforms like The Montclair Pod, locals are trading stories about smash-and-grab break-ins at businesses, stolen vehicles from driveways, and frightening home invasions—some even occurring when people are home.
One resident shared his chilling experience of being woken up by an alarm at 3 a.m., only to hear intruders downstairs. “It feels like we’re living under siege in our own home,” he said, describing the lasting emotional impact.
Property Crime: The Biggest Concern
According to Captain James Lalor and Lieutenant Tyrone Williams Jr. of the Montclair Police Department, property crimes—not violent offenses—are Montclair’s primary safety challenge. “We don’t see the violent crime as much as other towns do,” Lalor said. “We are more or less focused on burglaries to houses and cars.”
Interestingly, many burglaries now happen while residents are home. Burglars are typically after car keys, wallets, and laptops left in common areas like kitchens—items they can quickly grab without confrontation. Stolen vehicles, especially high-end models like Range Rovers, BMWs, and Lamborghinis, are often resold, used in other crimes, or even shipped overseas.
Even more troubling: criminals are becoming more sophisticated. Some are using Apple AirTags to track targeted vehicles before stealing them.
Who’s Committing These Crimes?
Law enforcement notes a worrying trend: many perpetrators are juveniles, sometimes as young as 15, who face minimal consequences under New Jersey’s rehabilitation-focused juvenile justice system. “It’s lucrative,” said Lt. Williams. “They’re getting paid, and they know they won’t do serious jail time.”
Moreover, Montclair’s affluence makes it a target. “They know this area is very wealthy,” Lalor said.
How Police and Residents Are Responding
The Montclair Police Department, with its 112 officers, has stepped up efforts, including increasing patrols, using unmarked cars, and collaborating with neighboring towns. However, leaders like Lalor emphasize that community involvement is just as critical.
Basic steps can make a difference: locking all doors, keeping valuables out of sight, installing strong outdoor lighting, and staying vigilant. Officers also offer free home security surveys to identify vulnerabilities—something more residents are encouraged to take advantage of.
If you notice something suspicious—a strange car idling late at night, a person lingering where they shouldn’t be—police urge you to call immediately. “If you see something that doesn’t seem right, call us. That’s why we’re here,” Lalor stressed.
Home Security: Smarter Investments
Veteran security expert Rob Berman, who has spent four decades installing systems around Montclair, says today’s break-ins are largely car-motivated, a shift from traditional burglaries for jewelry or electronics.
Modern security strategies emphasize layered protection. “Your security system is your basic line of defense,” Berman said. Cameras and smart doorbells can be helpful but are no substitute for robust alarms protecting doors and accessible windows.
Technology like motion-triggered lighting, smart locks, and AI-enabled cameras are now more affordable and effective. But as Berman cautions, no system is foolproof—and residents should focus on deterrence.
Self-Defense on the Rise
Beyond home protection, more residents are seeking personal safety skills. Karen Peterson, co-owner of North South Jiu Jitsu in Montclair and Bloomfield, sees rising enrollment—especially among women—since the pandemic. “You develop a sixth sense for staying calm in heightened situations,” she explained. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu trains practitioners to react under pressure, a skill that can be life-saving during an attack or home invasion.
A Community Effort
Ultimately, crime prevention in Montclair is a collective effort between residents, police, and local leaders. As council member Eileen Birmingham noted, the town’s ability to allocate more safety resources is challenged by financial constraints—especially with Montclair’s weekend population swelling by 50% due to visitors, without corresponding revenue from tourism taxes.
