Montclair Cops Make Arrest After $400K Home Burglary Spree: PD

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair police arrested a man who allegedly nabbed $400,000 in cash and jewelry during a recent crime spree in the southwest and northern parts of town, authorities said.

On Thursday, the Montclair Police Department announced that Saveon Hayles, 29, a former Montclair resident who now resides in Jersey City, has been charged in connection with 18 burglaries, four attempted burglaries and theft in the second degree.

The accusations against Hayles come after a lengthy investigation into more than 50 home burglaries and attempted burglaries in the township, police stated.

Several of the burglaries took place while the residents were at home, police said:

“In one incident, a resident observed the suspect walking through his upstairs hallway, as he lay in bed. In another, a homeowner observed the suspect run down the stairwell from the second floor of the home and out a rear door. This suspect forced entry into many of these homes by kicking in doors or by use of a tool. On other occasions, the suspect entered through unlocked doors and windows, grabbing pocketbooks and wallets from the kitchen and dining areas of the home.”

According to police, about $400,000 in cash and jewelry was stolen during the burglaries. Detectives recovered some of the jewelry proceeds from these burglaries, which are being returned to these victims. However, Hayles allegedly sold many of the stolen jewelry items to pawn stores in Essex and Hudson counties.

The pawn shops – which were not named in a police statement – then resold most of the items on the internet, authorities said.

Montclair police eventually apprehended Hayles in Jersey City after conducting a surveillance operation. When confronted, Hayles fled into a nearby apartment building. Montclair police – joined by their Jersey City peers – chased Hayles through several nearby backyards and over fences.

Police caught up to Hayles in the rear yard of a home and arrested him without further incident, authorities said.

Montclair police thanked the Jersey City Police Department for its assistance with the arrest.

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