Crime & Safety

Big Rock Links 2 Montclair Home Intrusions, Police Say

MPD: A Montclair resident scared off three alleged burglars, but one of them took a big stone from the property. Here's where it ended up.

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Two Montclair residents encountered home intruders on the same day last week, authorities announced Tuesday.

The Montclair Police Department released the following details about the incidents, which took place on Aug. 23:

“A [Wayside Place] homeowner reported that he was awoken by his cellphone alerting him to movement in his backyard. Upon viewing his cameras, the resident observed three individuals wearing all black clothing with gloves and ski masks carrying burglary tools in the rear of his property near his back door. He then engaged an audible alarm that scared off the individuals who immediately fled the property. Surveillance footage showed at least two males attempting to enter the front door of the home, while a third suspect is seen picking up a large garden stone and walking away. The suspects did not make entry into the home. They fled in a white SUV, possibly a BMW.”

Montclair police continued:

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“Almost simultaneously, the owners of a Hilltop Place residence reported being woken up by a large crash. Upon investigating, the resident observed his front glass door had been shattered and a male was attempting to enter the home. The resident yelled to the suspects who fled in an awaiting white SUV.”

The stone used to shatter the door was taken from the residence on Wayside Place, police confirmed.

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