Belleville Cops Say Home Burglary Wave Has Hit 4 Local Streets

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville police are investigating a series of home burglaries that have taken place in the township over the past weeks, authorities say.

The Belleville Police Department issued an advisory on Tuesday, warning residents to take precautions in the face of a recent rise in burglaries.

“Recently our police department has been receiving reports of burglaries and thefts from homeowners,” Belleville police stated. “As a reminder all residents are urged to make sure that their windows and doors are secured before going to bed for the evening, with cooler weather coming it is common to leave windows open and or ajar.”

Residents are asked to report any suspicious activities to the police department by calling 973-450-3334, or 911 if a crime is in progress.

Belleville police said that the following incidents were reported in the township:

• Aug. 14 – Main Street – 10:09 a.m. – “The victim stated he arrived at his business and observed the front door pried open, two bathrooms damaged and the following items missing; several packs of cigarettes, several bottles of Hennessey liquor, a Toshiba laptop and $5,000 cash. Total of property taken was $10,000.”
• Aug. 15 - Van Rensselaer Street – 1:37 p.m. – “The victim stated he left his house for approximately two hours. Upon returning home he observed jewelry scattered on his bed and a rear window open. The victim stated $1,000 in cash was taken.”
• Aug. 16 – Mill Street – 9:03 p.m. – “The victim stated she arrived home and noticed shoe prints on her floor and a ski mask lying on her living room table. Officers check the house and were unable to locate any forced entry. No property was taken.”
• Aug. 17 – Smallwood Avenue – 5:57 a.m. – “The victim stated his daughter heard someone in their house. Upon checking the house, he was confronted by an unknown male in his living room. The suspect attempted to flee through front door which was locked. The suspect then proceeded to run out back door and down railroad tracks. Suspect was described as a six-foot male wearing a dark-colored hoodie. Entry was gained through kitchen window. It’s unknown if any property was stolen.”

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