NUTLEY, NJ—Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo reported that early on Sunday morning, police arrested two suspects related to attempted burglaries in Nutley. At around 5:15 AM, individuals in a grey Hyundai tried to break into a Conover Ave residence. Their attempt was thwarted by a barking dog.
Minutes later, the same suspects tried to enter a Plymouth Rd home, which was foiled by an activated alarm. Quick action by local residents and a Neighborhood Watch member allowed police to track down the vehicle in Newark. They apprehended two suspects, including two juveniles and one adult, while the adult managed to escape on foot but was later identified.
The three suspects have been charged with attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools. According to Director Petracco, while the frequency of break-ins into occupied homes has decreased, the practice remains prevalent among thieves targeting high-value vehicles. Both targeted homes had new model vehicles in their driveways, which may have been the motive behind the burglaries.
The Nutley Police are investigating whether the arrested suspects are connected to two other recent vehicle thefts in the area. Director Petracco and Chief Strumolo commend the vigilance of Nutley residents and encourage continued community cooperation in crime prevention efforts.