Video Shows Suspect Who Broke Into Watchung Home: Police

WATCHUNG, NJ — Watchung Police have released a home surveillance video of a man wanted in connection with a burglary in the borough last week.

The video shows a man wearing a badge and lanyard approaching a home on the 1200 block of Johnston Drive at around 10 a.m. on Jan. 24.

The house was ransacked after forced entry was gained through a rear window where the suspects removed clothing, jewelry, cash, three handguns and a 2006 Mercedes Benz from the home, Watchung Police Chief Joe Cina reported.

The Mercedes was located in Irvington later that same day, abandoned and on fire, police reported.

Watchung Police Department detectives, with the assistance of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Task Force, are investigating the residential burglary.

Police had issued an alert on Friday for two men who were soliciting door to door for an unknown company on the morning of Jan. 23 in the Johnston Drive area. (See Related: 2 Men Wanted In Watchung And North Plainfield)

North Plainfield Police also reported Friday that the men are believed to be connected to a burglary in the borough.

Roselle Park Police also warned residents on Monday of distraction burglaries. They reported men were going door to door in the borough wearing an orange or brightly-colored vest or a lanyard or neck chain with identification or official-looking utility credential to making it appear they are legitimate. (See Related: Police Warn Of Distraction Burglaries In Roselle Park)

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Watchung Police Department at 908-756-3663.

(Image and video via Watchung Police Department. Photo is a closeup of the badge and lanyard the suspect was wearing.)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.