5 Teens Arrested in East Brunswick for Crime Spree

East Brunswick, NJ - East Brunswick police say they arrested 5 juveniles for participating in a three-month crime spree in the township, which included multiple home break-ins and at least one instance of setting fire to a dumpster.

East Brunswick police launched Operation Chill earlier this summer, where kids and teens would get a free 7-11 Slurpee from the police as a reward for doing good deeds. Good deeds may include helping another person, volunteering or wearing a helmet while skateboarding, and the concept was developed by East Brunswick police as a means to deter teenage mischief during the dog days of summer.

The rash of crimes spanned the months of April, May and June, police said. By the last week of June, police were able to arrest a total of five juvenile suspects, and bring charges on six separate crimes. The crimes included two residential burglaries, three acts of criminal mischief on two homes and a car, and one act of arson to a dumpster at a shopping center, police said. It's unclear if all five individuals know each other, but the crimes do not appear related, Lt. Sean Goggins said.

Detectives Crispin Farrace and Joe Bauer, as well as Patrolmen Chris Williams and Rodney Tillery, all worked on the case.

All five juveniles were released into the custody of their parents after being charged.