NUTLEY, NJ — Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo have issued a warning to residents following two attempted burglaries and one successful burglary between December 21 and 22.
The first incident occurred on December 21 at N. Spring Garden Ave., where three suspects attempted to enter a residence. One suspect entered the homeowner’s BMW and then tried to access the house through a first-floor window, triggering an alarm and causing the suspects to flee towards Kingsland Ave in a white BMW stolen from Bayonne. On the same morning, residents on Milton Ave. discovered their home invaded, with several items, including credit cards, stolen. These cards were later used in Newark.
On December 22, another attempt was reported on Nutley Ave. Four suspects tried to pry open a first-floor window but fled in a dark-colored stolen BMW upon noticing police presence in the area.
Chief Strumolo highlighted that each targeted home had a high-value vehicle in the driveway or parked in front, suggesting that the burglars’ primary goal might be to steal these vehicles. The police believe this group could be the same as those responsible for earlier incidents on Grant and Whitford Ave.
Director Petracco and Chief Strumolo have responded by increasing patrols and undercover operations during the holiday season until the suspects are apprehended. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, secure their properties, and report any suspicious activities. Those with potential surveillance footage of the suspects or vehicles around 5:00 AM on December 21 or 4:00 AM on December 22 are encouraged to contact the police at 973-284-4940.