Juvenile Arrested For Multiple Westfield Burglaries, Car Thefts

WESTFIELD, NJ - He wasn't even old enough to drive, but that didn't stop a 16-year-old from stealing multiple cars and breaking into numerous homes, according to the Westfield Police Department.

Acting Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro said the local 16-year-old was arrested Tuesday and charged with eight counts of burglary and four counts of theft, which resulted from numerous reported residential burglaries and motor vehicle thefts occurring on the north side of Westfield during the overnight hours between Wednesday, Oct. 3 and Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Battiloro credited the Westfield Police Department’s Detective Bureau with conducting a well-coordinated, thorough, and complete investigation, which resulted in the approval of criminal complaints by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and led to the juvenile’s arrest.

“All of our Detectives deserve credit for a job well done,” Battiloro said.

The juvenile was additionally charged with a count of second degree theft, since the value of the reported stolen motor vehicles and property was well in excess of $75,000 and he was processed at the Westfield Police Department and then remanded to the Union County Juvenile Detention Center.

Battiloro said their investigation remains ongoing and that additional criminal charges against the juvenile and others are possible.

“I thank the public for remaining patient as we conducted this investigation,” Battiloro said and he asked that anyone with information relating to recent burglaries and motor vehicle thefts occurring in Westfield contact Detective Bruno of the Westfield Police Department at 908-789-6078.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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