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Here is the article: http://1010wins.com/topstories/local_story_050215126.html
Xenon Headlights Still Hot Item in NJ
Feb 19, 2006 9:46 pm US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (NEWARK) The theft of xenon headlights from cars has become an epidemic in northern New Jersey as they're being stolen everywhere from driveways in the suburbs to the Meadowlands' parking lots, authorities say.
The lights give off a bluish beam and have become commonplace in newer luxury cars, because they are believed to improve driver visibility in poor weather. And while they can cost up to $2,000 to install, thieves sell them to body shops for as low as $80, police say. Prices on eBay range between $125 and $1,700.
The thefts are mystifying law enforcement.
"But who's stealing? Who's reselling? Who are they working for? That's the mystery," Newark police Sgt. Luke Laterza told The Star-Ledger of Newark for Sunday newspapers.
Police in Essex, Union and Morris counties are working with the state police to crack down by starting undercover investigations of body shops.
They say one crew of thieves has been to Morristown to steal the headlights, breaking into 21 cars there and taking 15 pairs of headlights last March. They later returned, stealing 49 sets on two occasions in October and January.
In November, 40 pairs were swiped at a Bruce Springsteen concert at the Meadowlands.
"It's an epidemic in the northern part of the state," Newark Police Director Anthony Ambrose said. "We're still trying to figure out where the lights end up."
Earlier this month, Newark's Amonra Jackson, 25, was arrested and accused of stealing $17,000 in headlights after a high-speed chase through several communities.
Xenon Headlights Still Hot Item in NJ
Feb 19, 2006 9:46 pm US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (NEWARK) The theft of xenon headlights from cars has become an epidemic in northern New Jersey as they're being stolen everywhere from driveways in the suburbs to the Meadowlands' parking lots, authorities say.
The lights give off a bluish beam and have become commonplace in newer luxury cars, because they are believed to improve driver visibility in poor weather. And while they can cost up to $2,000 to install, thieves sell them to body shops for as low as $80, police say. Prices on eBay range between $125 and $1,700.
The thefts are mystifying law enforcement.
"But who's stealing? Who's reselling? Who are they working for? That's the mystery," Newark police Sgt. Luke Laterza told The Star-Ledger of Newark for Sunday newspapers.
Police in Essex, Union and Morris counties are working with the state police to crack down by starting undercover investigations of body shops.
They say one crew of thieves has been to Morristown to steal the headlights, breaking into 21 cars there and taking 15 pairs of headlights last March. They later returned, stealing 49 sets on two occasions in October and January.
In November, 40 pairs were swiped at a Bruce Springsteen concert at the Meadowlands.
"It's an epidemic in the northern part of the state," Newark Police Director Anthony Ambrose said. "We're still trying to figure out where the lights end up."
Earlier this month, Newark's Amonra Jackson, 25, was arrested and accused of stealing $17,000 in headlights after a high-speed chase through several communities.
