Gloucester Township, NJ – Three juveniles accused of breaking into a Sicklerville home and attempting to steal a vehicle Friday night were arrested after an alert neighbor called police and provided real-time updates as the suspects fled, according to the Gloucester Township Police Department.
Officers responded around 7:58 p.m. Friday to Pine Glen Drive in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township after reports that three masked individuals had entered a residence and were trying to steal a vehicle outside the home.
Police said a nearby resident saw the juveniles, who were reportedly wearing ski masks, enter the house and immediately contacted authorities while continuing to relay information to responding officers.
Suspects Caught After Foot Chase
According to Gloucester Township Police, the three suspects exited the home carrying multiple items before getting into a vehicle in an attempt to flee the area.
Investigators said the juveniles failed to start the vehicle, abandoned the attempt, and ran from the scene on foot.
Responding officers located the suspects nearby, chased them on foot, and took all three into custody without further incident. Police identified the suspects as two 14-year-old males and one 13-year-old male.
All three juveniles were transported to Gloucester Township Police headquarters, charged on juvenile complaints, and remanded to a juvenile detention center.
Chief Anthony Minosse credited the quick arrests to the actions of the resident who called police as the burglary unfolded.
“This case is proof of the excellent partnership we have working together between the Gloucester Township Police and our community,” Minosse said in a statement. “In this situation, an alert citizen directly allowed us to respond swiftly and make these arrests.”
Key Points
• Three juveniles were arrested after a reported home burglary in Sicklerville Friday night.
• Police said the suspects attempted to steal a vehicle before fleeing on foot.
• An alert neighbor’s real-time updates helped officers quickly locate the suspects.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Juveniles
Each juvenile faces the same list of charges, according to Gloucester Township Police.
The charges include second-degree burglary of a residence, second-degree conspiracy, third-degree burglary of a vehicle, third-degree attempted motor vehicle theft, fourth-degree theft, possession of burglar tools, and criminal mischief.
Police did not release the identities of the juveniles because of their ages.
The incident highlights continued concerns across South Jersey communities involving vehicle thefts and residential burglaries involving juveniles. Gloucester Township Police said the department continues working with local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate vehicle-related crimes and identify offenders.
“Our officers and detectives work diligently to identify offenders, respond to their residences, and pursue criminal charges with zero tolerance for this type of criminal activity,” the department said in the release.
Police Urge Residents to Stay Alert
The department also urged residents to remain vigilant by locking vehicles, removing valuables and key fobs from cars, and immediately reporting suspicious activity.
Officials said parents could also face accountability when juveniles are left unsupervised and engage in criminal conduct.
Anyone with information related to suspicious activity or crimes in Gloucester Township can contact the department directly at (856) 228-4500 or submit anonymous tips through the department’s online portal or tip line.
The investigation into the burglary and attempted vehicle theft remains ongoing, according to Gloucester Township Police.
