MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Five people were arrested following a multi-phase undercover operation targeting a pattern of dirt bike thefts and attempted burglaries in Monroe and surrounding areas, authorities said.
The operation, conducted in early January 2026, was not publicly disclosed until recently to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Detectives identified a recurring method in which suspects used social media platforms to locate dirt bikes advertised for sale, analyze photos in listings to identify storage locations, and then target those locations for theft.
As part of the operation, detectives posted a decoy social media advertisement depicting a dirt bike stored at a Monroe location. Officers established surveillance nearby and observed multiple suspicious vehicles entering an adjacent undeveloped area, police said.
During the first phase, officers stopped a vehicle after observing damage to perimeter fencing and evidence of attempted entry. Two individuals were taken into custody.
In a follow-up operation at the same location, officers observed three masked individuals enter the property and attempt to access the targeted unit using burglary tools. Officers identified themselves and took all three into custody without incident, authorities said.
The following individuals were charged with burglary-related offenses including Criminal Mischief, Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Possession of Burglary Tools:
One defendant also faces a charge of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Jennifer Jaquez, 23, of New Brunswick, was additionally charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft and Burglary.
Investigators also determined that one vehicle used in the operation had been reported stolen out of New York City and contained an altered vehicle identification number.
All defendants were taken to Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Winn at 732-521-0222, ext. 151.
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