Serial Fair Lawn Burglar Charged With Leonia Car Thefts

FAIR LAWN, N.J. — A man charged with stealing money and computers from several borough cars last month was charged with stealing vehicles and burglarizing a home in Leonia, police announced Thursday.

Fred Harakandi, 18, of Leonia, admitted to stealing several parked cars in Leonia, Paterson, and Palisades Park and burglarizing a residence in his hometown, Leonia, police said. Those incidents occurred in late August and mid-September, police said.

After stealing a car, Harakadi would drive to Paterson and try to sell stolen items left inside, police said.

Harakadi would look early in the morning for unlocked vehicles and had key fobs left inside, police said.

Fair Lawn Police charged Harakadi with four counts each of burglary and theft. Harakadi was arrested after a Fair Lawn resident caught him inside his car, police said at the time of his arrest.

Detective Sgt. Christopher Garris was notified of Harakadi's arrest and interviewed him, police said. Harakadi confessed to the additional burglaries and thefts during that interview, police said.

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Related: Fair Lawn Vehicle Burglar Caught Friday, Police Say

Fred Harakandi, 18, of Leonia — Leonia Police Department