Crime & Safety
Nutley Cops Track Burglary Crew That May Have Hit Multiple Homes
The same culprits may be responsible for a series of recent home burglaries in Nutley, authorities say.

NUTLEY, NJ — The same culprits may be responsible for a series of recent home burglaries in Nutley, authorities say.
According to the Nutley Police Department, two burglaries were reported on Dec. 21. Authorities released the following details about each incident:
North Spring Garden Avenue – “Officers responded regarding an activated burglar alarm. The resident stated they were notified by their alarm system sounding for a glass break and observed an open window. Officers cleared the scene and the resident stated nothing was missing from the home. The Detective Bureau arrived to investigate and determined this was an attempt to get keys for a BMW parked in the driveway. Same actors entered their car but unable to start it.”
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Milton Avenue – “Officers responded on report of a past occurred burglary. The resident stated they observed an open window and their back door unlocked. They stated they were missing their wallet and a PlayStation 5. Detectives on scene reported a BMW and Range Rover parked in front of residence may have been the reason for entry.”
Another attempted burglary took place on Dec. 22, police said:
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“Today we had another attempt on Nutley Avenue, where four actors pried a first-floor window. When they observed police in the area they fled in a dark colored stolen BMW towards Belleville.”
Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said that each of the homes had a “high-valued” vehicle in their driveway or parked in front of the residence, which leads detectives to believe that the goal of the burglaries was to snatch car keys.
Police Director Alphonse Petracco said the suspects behind the latest burglaries may be the same crew that hit Whitford Avenue and Grant Avenue earlier this month, as each incident has a similar method of entry. Read More: Same Burglary Suspects May Have Hit 2 Nutley Homes, Police Say
“The chief and I decided to continue supplemental patrols and undercover details throughout the holidays or until this crew is apprehended,” Petracco said.
“I am pleased that one home had an alarm system that frightened them before they had a chance to enter, [and] our officers were in the immediate area of Nutley Avenue incident, causing them to run from police when observed,” Petracco continued.
“We have made dozens of arrests since October and will continue charging anyone that commits a crime in Nutley,” Petracco said. “Please remain vigilant, continue locking your doors and windows and notify police of anything suspicious.”
Authorities said anyone who has information about the burglaries or security camera footage can contact police at 973-284-4940.
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