Man Stole Jewelry, Guns In Manchester Burglary Spree: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Berkeley Township man has been charged in a string of burglaries in two Manchester senior communities where jewelry and firearms were stolen, Manchester police said Friday.

Nicholas A. Marino, 24, of Grand Central Parkway, Berkeley Township, was arrested Thursday and charged with seven counts of burglary, six counts of theft, and one count of receiving stolen property, Manchester Lt. Vincent Manco said.

Over the last month, 12 burglaries and two attempted burglaries occurred in the Leisure Knoll development, Manco said, and Manchester detectives also investigated a burglary and an attempted burglary in Leisure Ridge, he said.

Jewelry was the main target in the burglaries, Manco said, though two firearms were taken during the Leisure Ridge burglary, he said.

Some of the burglarized homes were entered through unlocked doors and windows, other were entered by forcing open locked doors, Manco said. All of the burglaries occurred in the evening at unoccupied homes, he said.

Two suspects were developed through a review of surveillance video footage and the help of a citizen’s suspicious vehicle report, Manco said, and with the assistance of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, they were able to identify Marino as involved in the burglaries.

Manco said proceeds including jewelry and the two firearms stolen from the Leisure Ridge burglary were found from in Marino’s home.

Marino is being held in lieu of $90,500 bail, no 10 percent option, at the Ocean County Jail, Toms River.

Manco said the investigation is continuing and additional charges may be forthcoming. Detectives also found Marino was not working alone, and additional arrests are anticipated, he said.

Residents are reminded to always be vigilant and to report any and all suspicious activity, persons, and vehicles to Manchester Township Police at 732-657-6111 or by using the Tip-Line link at the Manchester Police Website (www.manchesterpolicenj.com). Tip-Line information may be left anonymously.

Nicholas A. Marino, via Ocean County Corrections Department; Handcuffs image via Shutterstock