Nutley Police React To Latest Home Burglary, Car Thefts

NUTLEY, NJ — Over the past several weeks, Nutley police have arrested and charged at least five people connected with burglaries, possession of burglary tools and motor vehicle thefts. And they’re ready to make more arrests if needed, authorities announced this week.

One of the most recent burglaries took place Monday on Raymond Avenue, the Nutley Police Department said.

A local resident said she was showering when there was a loud knock on her front door. Shortly afterward, she discovered her rear door open and her purse missing from a tabletop.

Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said towns across New Jersey are seeing a higher-than-usual number of burglaries, some of which involve people entering homes in search of key fobs that can help them steal residents’ cars.

Thieves are becoming more brazen, entering homes during early morning hours while residents are present, Strumolo said.

In the wake of Monday’s home burglary – and others similar to it – Nutley police have been rolling out several initiatives aimed at stopping future crimes, according to Public Safety Director Commissioner Alphonse Petracco.

“We have added patrols, coordinated efforts with neighboring agencies and we also plan to add more officers to our streets and neighborhoods for an increased police presence,” Petracco said.

“We will continue our efforts to safeguard our community and keep our community partners fully aware of what is occurring,” Petracco continued. “We ask everyone to secure their vehicles as well as their homes and be vigilant of any suspicious activity. Do not hesitate to call the police department (973) 284-4940. Our response time is three to five minutes.”

“We take our job to protect and serve personally,” he added. “Nutley has always been one of the safest townships in the state, if not the country.”

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