4 Teens Charged With Bergen County Vehicle Burglaries

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Four Bergenfield teenagers were arrested and charged in connection with nearly a dozen vehicle burglaries in their hometown in July, police announced.

Jonathan Figueroa, Samuel Madera, and John Arcila, all 18, and a 16-year-old were charged after police conducted a two-month investigation into 11 vehicles burglaries that were reported in town overnight from July 30 to 31, said Detective Lt. William Duran.

Stolen items include: Phone charges, sunglasses, battery packs, wallets, and credit cards, Duran said. All the vehicles were unlocked.

Police investigated the thefts for two months. The investigation led to the arrests, Duran said.

Figueroa was charged with: Conspiracy, burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime.

Madera was charged with: Conspiracy, theft, criminal mischief, and tampering with evidence.

Arcila was charged with: Conspiracy, burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.

The 16-year-old was charged with: Conspiracy, burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.

The 18-year-olds were charged and released pending appearances in Bergen County Superior Court Oct. 2. The juvenile is due to appear in Family Court.

The Bergenfield Police Department urged residents to lock their vehicles and not to keep valuables out in plain view to avoid becoming a victim.

"Most of these crimes can be avoided, and are crimes of opportunity," Duran said.

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