Man Charged In Vehicle Burglaries In Ocean County

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A Seaside Heights man has been arrested in a string of vehicle burglaries in Lakewood, police said Monday.

Eric S. Oliver, 33, was arrested Oct. 8 following an investigation over several weeks, Lakewood police said.

The charges were filed Sept. 17 in connection with incidents that dated back to August, according to municipal court records.

In the burglaries, someone entered multiple vehicles then used credit cards taken during the burglaries and used them at various locations throughout Lakewood and Brick, police said.

Detectives identified Oliver as the person who broke into the vehicles and used the credit cards, police said.

Oliver has been charged with burglary and theft by unlawful taking, police said. He turned himself in to police on Oct. 8 and was taken to the Ocean County Jail, but has since been released to await trial.

"I commend our investigators for their thorough work in investigating these incidents and holding those responsible accountable," Police Chief Gregory Meyer said.

"These cases also serve as an important reminder that simple precautions can help prevent vehicle burglaries. Always lock your vehicle, remove cash and valuables, and never leave wallets, identification, credit cards, or other personal belongings inside your car. Don’t make your vehicle an easy target," Meyer said.