West Caldwell Police Arrest Accused Serial Car Burglar

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — West Caldwell police arrested and charged a juvenile from Essex County in connection with a series of burglaries in the township, authorities recently announced.

A 15-year-old Irvington resident has been charged with receiving stolen property and 12 counts of conspiracy to commit burglary after an “extensive investigation,” authorities said.

West Caldwell police released the following statement about the arrest:

“This investigation, which began on June 23, 2024, was prompted by a spate of reported burglaries across several streets in West Caldwell, including Roosevelt Avenue, Johnson Avenue, Francine Avenue, Deerfield Road, and Aldom Circle. The incidents involved suspects entering parked and unlocked vehicles and attempting to gain unauthorized access to a residential home on Aldom Circle. The suspects attempted to gain entry into this residence by activating a garage door opener which was left inside of a parked vehicle in the driveway. The suspects were interrupted when the homeowner was awakened and subsequently fled the scene. They escaped in a Ford Edge, which had been reported stolen out of Nutley.”

Here's what happened next, police said:

“West Caldwell Police Detective Potucek worked diligently to track down a suspect involved in these incidents through a joint effort with initial responding patrols and information gathered from several of our law enforcement partner agencies. Their collective efforts culminated in the identification and arrest of the 15-year-old male from Irvington, who now faces serious charges for his alleged involvement in these criminal activities.”

Anyone with additional information related to these incidents can contact the West Caldwell Detective Bureau at (973) 226-4114, authorities said.

Police reminded local residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables, key fobs and garage door openers when they are not in use.

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