Nutley Cops Arrest 8 Alleged Car Burglars In Less Than 3 Weeks

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police have arrested eight people in the last 2.5 weeks in connection with several auto burglaries in the township, authorities announced Monday.

According to Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo, the victimized vehicles have often been left unlocked, providing “easy access” to people seeking a “score.” Some vehicle owners have reported nothing missing, but others have suffered expensive losses.

“We urge everyone to help combat this by securing their vehicles and reporting suspicious activity immediately,” Strumolo said.

The chief added that many local residents are choosing to maintain surveillance systems, however often the cameras are installed in areas that don’t provide the maximum possible coverage.

“Be mindful of lighting, and coverage corners that can identify direction of flight, vehicle involvement, and possibly lower angles to capture faces,” Strumolo said.

Anyone with information about a possible crime can contact Nutley police at 973-284-4940.

According to Nutley police, the recent arrests included:

• A group of four young men were allegedly seen in the driveway of a Highfield Lane home and fled when approached. Police found them on Oakridge Avenue and apprehended them after a chase through yards along Ackerman, Race and Woodland. Authorities charged three juveniles from Newark with burglary to autos and the other suspect with possession of CDS. Surveillance video obtained on North Road showed the same suspects trying door handles and fleeing when police cars approached, the NPD stated.
• On Sunday around midnight, police chased down four alleged car burglars spotted in a Union Avenue driveway. A car in the driveway had been “ransacked.” Police apprehended two juveniles from Newark after finding them hiding under a nearby trampoline, and charged them with burglary to auto and obstruction.
• On Sept. 20, a “vigilant resident” called police about a possible vehicle burglary in progress, enabling officers to set up a perimeter and apprehend three Irvington men. Police charged the men with similar offenses along Bloomfield Avenue, Van Winkle and Mt. Vernon.

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