burglaries

Police Investigate Attempted Burglaries in South River

Police investigate attempted burglaries in south river - photo licensed by shore news network.

Police Investigate Attempted Burglaries in South River

**South River, NJ** – On March 28, South River Police Department responded at approximately 3:51 AM to an attempted burglary report at a centrally located town residence. A second similar incident reportedly occurred shortly thereafter at another nearby residence.

Authorities suspect both incidents involved the same three individuals attempting to enter each home. However, police canvassing the areas could not locate any suspects or a suspect vehicle.

The homeowners’ camera systems recorded the incidents at both locations, capturing images of the individuals and the alleged suspect vehicle. The South River Police do not disclose exact locations based on footage from private security cameras for privacy reasons.

Residents should ensure all residential entry points are secure, and vehicles are locked. For questions or additional information regarding these incidents, residents can contact South River Police Dispatch at 732-238-1000 or Lieutenant Edwin Yorek at 732-238-1000 ext 111.

Multiple Vehicle Burglaries Lead to Arrest in West Orange

Multiple vehicle burglaries lead to arrest in west orange - photo licensed by shore news network.

Multiple Vehicle Burglaries Lead to Arrest in West Orange

**West Orange, NJ** – The Township experienced multiple vehicle burglaries on Monday and Tuesday evenings at Essex Green Shopping Plaza, specifically the parking lot of LA Fitness and other areas of the shopping plaza. Detective Austin Vanderhoof led the investigation with minimal evidence available at the crime scenes.

The West Orange Police Department worked with law enforcement from Verona and Cedar Grove Police Departments. Through video analysis and intelligence sharing, Detective Vanderhoof successfully identified the suspect. His methods included surveillance, interviews, and searches.

On December 2, Hakir Hodges, 28, from Newark, NJ, was charged in connection with these incidents. He faces eight counts related to burglary and theft from motor vehicles, and two counts of attempted burglary.

Hodges is currently held at Essex County Correctional Facility. Further details on the case have not been released at this time.

New Jersey Man Arrested in Connection with Vehicle Burglaries

Police car with flashing lights.

Man Arrested in Connection with Vehicle Burglaries

**Gloucester Township, NJ** – Gloucester Township Police arrested a man suspected of involvement in multiple motor vehicle burglaries in the Hilltop section. The arrest occurred on Thursday at 1:21 AM after officers were alerted to a man in dark clothing attempting to burglarize a vehicle on Old Black Horse Pike.

During the investigation, it was reported that the suspect had burglarized four additional vehicles. The unidentified man managed to gain entry into four unlocked vehicles, stealing various items. Officers located the suspect, identified as Gilbert J. Ferguson, on Landing Road.

Ferguson attempted to flee on foot but was detained after a brief pursuit on Brewer Avenue. Upon detention, he was found with proceeds from the burglaries and was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of burglary. Gilbert Ferguson was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in compliance with the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act.

The Gloucester Township Police Department emphasizes the importance of preventing car burglaries by securing vehicle doors and windows. Residents are encouraged to park in well-lit areas, utilize anti-theft devices, and report suspicious activities.

Governor Murphy Enacts Stricter Penalties for Burglaries

Governor murphy enacts stricter penalties for burglaries - photo licensed by shore news network.

Governor Murphy Enacts Stricter Penalties for Burglaries

**Gloucester Township, NJ** – Governor Murphy has signed new legislation increasing penalties for residential burglaries and home invasions in New Jersey. The law, which went into effect immediately, introduces two new offenses: second-degree residential burglary and first-degree home invasion burglary.

The enhanced penalties for home invasion burglary apply when a deadly weapon is used or bodily injury is threatened during a break-in. Convicted individuals could face 10 to 20 years in prison, fines up to $200,000, or both.

Residential burglary involves entering a home to commit an offense, punishable by five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Both offenses fall under the No Early Release Act, requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin, at a Newark press conference, highlighted the law’s potential in holding accountable those who use juveniles in burglaries.

Leonia Police Investigate Series of Burglaries and Thefts

Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

Leonia Police Investigate Series of Burglaries and Thefts

**Leonia, NJ** – The Leonia Police Department is conducting investigations into several reported burglaries and thefts. The incidents occurred from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

During this period, two thefts of catalytic converters took place, with one possible attempted theft. These incidents occurred on the 100 block of Glenwood Avenue, 100 block of Oakdene Avenue, and the 100 block of Ames Avenue. Additionally, a vehicle was stolen from a parking lot on Lakeview Avenue west of Grand Avenue between 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

On Wednesday at 12:25 p.m., a diversion burglary was reported on Grand Avenue near the Englewood border. In this case, three white males with Irish accents engaged the resident under the pretense of doing neighbor’s tree work, allowing one suspect to enter the home and commit theft.

Another residential burglary and theft took place between 10:00 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. on the 400 block of Birch Lane the same day. The Leonia Police Department urges residents to report suspicious activities promptly and to exercise caution when allowing