Three Teens Charged In Connection With Westfield Car Burglaries

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro announced on Tuesday the arrests of three 16-year-old males on charges resulting from numerous early morning vehicle burglaries.

According to Battiloro, the Westfield Police Department responded to the 700 block of Lamberts Mill Road this past Friday at approximately 6:19 a.m. because a passerby reported three "suspicious" people wearing ski masks and hitchhiking.

Officers Joseph Saunders and Frank Moya located the three people on Bayberry Lane. "Pursuant to an investigation," they were placed under arrest.

The three teens are from Plainfield.

Two of the teens were charged with receiving stolen property, as it was determined both were in possession of proceeds from apparent area vehicle burglaries, including a victim’s wallet, police said.

The third teen was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, specifically MDMA or “ecstasy.”

Battiloro said the Westfield Police Department subsequently discovered or received reports of at least ten burglaries to unlocked vehicles on or near the following locations during the early morning hours on Friday:

• 100 block of Hazel Avenue
• 700 block of Lamberts Mill Road
• 800 block of Knollwood Terrace
• 800 block of Nancy Way
• 800 block of Shadowlawn Drive

All three juveniles were processed at the Westfield Police Department, served with juvenile delinquency complaints, and then released to a responsible adult, police said.

Chief Battiloro has previously warned residents about leaving their cars unlocked or with key fobs in them.

Recently, a stolen car from a Westfield driveway was connected to murder suspects in Newark. READ MORE: Three Suspects In Newark Killing Connected To Westfield Car Burglary

Tuesday, Battiloro said, “These acts will undoubtedly continue until Westfield residents take the proper precautions to protect their property. This includes locking their vehicles, taking their keys, hiding their things, and doing their part.”

Anyone with information relating to the recent vehicle burglaries is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Lauren Maloney by telephone at 908-789-6086 or by e-mail at lmaloney@wpdnj.org.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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