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Governor Murphy Enacts Stricter Penalties for Burglaries

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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.

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New Jersey Enacts New Law Against Home Invasions

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Morris County Enforces New Law Against Home Invasions

**Morristown, NJ** – Morris County law enforcement is taking action against home invasions with the implementation of a new law. This decision follows a spike in residential burglaries where criminals have escalated from stealing cars to invading homes, often while residents are present.

Governor Phil Murphy signed a bi-partisan bill, S-3006, on Friday, alongside Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Sheriff James Gannon. The legislation introduces two new classifications for burglary offenses: home invasion burglary and residential burglary. These classifications come with severe penalties under the No Early Release Act, where offenders must serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Home invasion burglary, now a first-degree crime, involves entering a residence with the intent to commit an offense while causing bodily harm or carrying a weapon. Residential burglary, classified as a second-degree crime, encompasses unlawful entry with the intent to commit an offense. Juveniles involved in these crimes might be tried as adults if possessing firearms during offenses.

Prosecutor Carroll emphasized that the new law deters juvenile involvement in criminal activities and enables law enforcement to detain suspects until trial. Sheriff Gannon highlighted the severe impact burglaries

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Bensalem Township Council Enacts Gaming Device Ban

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Bensalem, PA – Bensalem Township Council Enacts Gaming Device Ban

On Monday, Bensalem Township Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting local gaming devices, also known as “skill games,” throughout the township. The ordinance, approved by Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, will take effect in ten days.

Over the past two years, there has been an increase in these unregulated devices, with the township estimating approximately 170 currently in operation. Concerns over related criminal incidents and the welfare of residents, particularly minors, led township officials to collaborate with Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, resulting in the proposed ordinance.

The ban applies to all locations except those with an active Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board license, which must ensure age-restricted access to these devices. Non-compliance will incur fines and potential revocation of premises permits.

Officials believe this measure will enhance community safety by removing these devices and reducing loitering at retail establishments. The ordinance is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the quality of life in Bensalem Township.

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