Verona, West Caldwell Car Break-Ins May Be Same Person: Police

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Verona police have identified a suspect in a recent series of 15 car break-ins, and he may be the same man who hit West Caldwell less than week earlier, authorities said.

On Tuesday, the Verona Police Department shared video footage obtained from a resident who lives in the area where the burglaries took place (see below). The incidents were reported during the overnight hours from Sunday to Monday.

“No force was used to enter these vehicles,” police said. “All were unlocked.”

Residents reported unlawful vehicle entries on Martin Road, Montclair Avenue, Claremont Avenue, Westview Road and Elmwood Road, Verona police said.

“From this video obtained from a local resident, the suspect appears to be similar to the individual shared from a similar incident last week in West Caldwell,” police stated.

Verona authorities urged residents to secure their vehicles nightly.

WEST CALDWELL CAR BURGALRIES

On July 19, police in West Caldwell reported that 21 early morning car burglaries took place in the township.

Authorities first learned of the break-ins around 3:27 a.m., when a Deerfield Road resident reported that someone was attempting to steal their car. The resident told officers that the suspect was a "tall male wearing a backpack."

Police did not apprehend the alleged car burglar.

The incidents took place on Deerfield Road, Runnymede Road, Beechwood Road, Sunnie Terrace and Dawson Drive, authorities said.

The WCPD posted surveillance photos of the alleged car burglar to social media. An investigation into the burglary wave is ongoing.

• See related article: West Caldwell Cops Probe 21 Car Burglaries; Suspect Sought

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Photo: Verona Police Department