Gloucester Township Resident Takes Action, Apprehends Suspected Cat Burglar

Leo Canega

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Early this morning, Gloucester Township police officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Chatham Road after receiving reports of two men fighting in front of a residence. When they arrived on the scene, the officers quickly separated homeowner Richard P. Astley and the suspect, 52-year-old Phillip Collins.

Astley had observed Collins on his CCTV system approaching his home and attempting to gain entry through the front door. In response, Astley exited his home through a side door and ran to the front lawn to confront Collins. Astley wrestled Collins to the ground and held him until the police arrived and took him into custody.

Further investigation revealed that Collins had attempted to break into several other surrounding homes. He was subsequently charged with multiple counts of burglary (3rd degree), simple assault (3rd degree), theft (DP), and was found to have several outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions. Collins was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in accordance with the New Jersey Criminal Reform Act.

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Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins expressed gratitude for Astley’s courageous actions, stating, “We’re together forever grateful for Mr. Astley’s brave actions. This was a great team effort by all involved, which resulted in the apprehension of someone who kept slipping away into our neighborhoods. Whenever you need somebody, Gloucester Township Police will be there for our residents.”


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