CLIFTON, N.J. – Two men have been charged in connection with 39 vehicle burglaries and thefts in Clifton during a single overnight crime spree that also included the theft of an Acura MDX, according to the Clifton Police Department.
Mario Polanco, 27, of the Bronx, and Antony Arlequin-Salcedo, 27, of Paterson, each face one count of third-degree motor vehicle theft, 39 counts of third-degree burglary and 39 counts of third-degree theft. Police said the crimes occurred during the overnight hours of June 22 into June 23.
Arlequin-Salcedo has since been apprehended in the Bronx by the NYPD and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey, according to Clifton police. Polanco remained wanted on an outstanding Clifton warrant at the time of the department’s announcement.
- Each defendant faces 79 criminal counts stemming from the Clifton investigation.
- Police said many of the 39 burglaries targeted airbags in Honda vehicles, which typically cost $1,000 to $1,500 to replace.
- Arlequin-Salcedo is awaiting extradition from New York, while investigators are still seeking Polanco.
Honda Airbags Targeted During Overnight Thefts
The string of crimes unfolded over one night in Clifton, with investigators eventually tying 39 vehicle burglaries and related thefts to the two defendants, according to police.
Many of the targeted vehicles were Hondas, and airbags were a primary target. Clifton police estimated that replacing a stolen airbag typically costs a vehicle owner between $1,000 and $1,500.
The investigation also involved the theft of an Acura MDX.
Vehicle-related crime has been an ongoing concern in the city. Shore News Network has previously reported on overnight vehicle burglaries and thefts in Clifton and separate incidents involving thieves targeting vehicles and valuables.
In this case, the number of alleged offenses resulted in dozens of individual criminal counts against each defendant.
Polanco and Arlequin-Salcedo were each charged with 39 counts of burglary and 39 counts of theft, all third-degree offenses, in addition to one third-degree motor vehicle theft charge.
One Suspect Captured in Bronx, Second Remains Wanted
Arlequin-Salcedo, a Paterson resident, was recently apprehended in the Bronx by New York City police, Clifton authorities said.
He is now awaiting extradition to New Jersey to face the charges.
Polanco, who is from the Bronx, remained at large on an outstanding Clifton warrant when police announced the case.
Anyone with information about Polanco’s whereabouts is being asked to contact Clifton detectives at 973-470-5908.
Detective Andrew Fanelli led the investigation, with assistance from Detective Nicholas Garruto and other members of the Clifton Police Department Detective Division.
The charges against Polanco and Arlequin-Salcedo are accusations. Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How many vehicle burglaries are Polanco and Arlequin-Salcedo charged with?
Each man faces 39 counts of third-degree burglary and 39 counts of third-degree theft, along with one count of third-degree motor vehicle theft.
Why were Honda vehicles targeted in the Clifton theft spree?
Police said most of the thefts targeted airbags from Honda vehicles. The department estimated replacement costs at approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per airbag.
Is Mario Polanco still wanted by Clifton police?
Yes. According to the police information provided, Polanco remains wanted on an outstanding Clifton warrant. Anyone with information about his location can call detectives at 973-470-5908.
Two men face dozens of charges after Clifton police linked them to 39 vehicle burglaries, stolen Honda airbags and the theft of an Acura MDX.
Sources: Clifton Police Department investigative release; NYPD apprehension information as reported by Clifton police.
