Nutley Police Arrest Alleged 'Car Shopping' Burglars

Nutley police arrested two males on Saturday morning for allegedly “car shopping” and attempting to burglarize vehicles in the area of Chestnut and Franklin Avenue.

According to police, a “vigilant” resident reported that they heard auto alarms and saw two people in a driveway around 5:23 a.m.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found Richard Gonzalez, 22, of Newark, and a 17-year-old juvenile from Nutley.

Police stated that the two had surgical gloves and burglary tools in their possession, and were attempting to enter parked vehicles.

Police charged the two with possession of burglary tools and attempted burglary. Gonzalez was also charged with possession of a CDS and employing a juvenile to commit a crime.

He is being held on $75,000 bail.

The juvenile was released to his parent’s custody, police said.

Nutley Mayor and Police Director Alphonse Petracco said that “car shopping” – entering unlocked vehicles and stealing the contents – is becoming more common.

Car shopping usually happens overnight and during early morning hours, Petracco stated.

He advised Nutley residents to take precautions and lock their vehicles, and to remove valuables that are easily viewed through the windows.

Petracco and the Nutley police aren’t the only Essex County agency to advise that residents take common sense measures when trying to avoid car thefts.

• See related article: North Caldwell Police: Don’t Leave Your Keys In The Car