Berkeley Police Charge Toms River Man With Multiple Car Burglaries In Mill Creek Section

Berkeley police have arrested a Toms River man after an intense investigation where he was captured on camera by neighbors in the Mill Creek section burglarizing a number of unlocked vehicles, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Police set up a surveillance operation after neighbors recorded some of the May 2 events. They watched as a man pedaled a bike down on Millcreek Drive at 2:30 a.m. in the same neighborhood where the burglaries had occurred, the chief said.

They arrested Michael Mele, 26, Arizona Drive, Toms River. He was charged with attempted burglary. More charges are expected, DiMichele said.

These burglaries consisted of entry into unlocked vehicles, often right in the victim's driveways. Cash, change and pocketbooks were taken, the chief said..

Police also determined that Mele had an outstanding warrant issued by the Ocean County Superior Court. He was released in accordance with the state's Bail Reform Act.

"This operation was successful due to the close coordination between the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau and the Ocean Gate Police Department," DiMichele said.

She credited Detective Joseph Santoro, Detective Michael Tier and Detective Sergeant Peter Larocca. Patrolman Ryan Wahl, Patrolman Tim Pizzella and Patrolman Mainor Puerto, and Ocean Gate Patrolman Rich Zonin and Sgt. Vincent LaRocca from the Ocean Gate police department.

Residents are reminded that suspicious activity can be reported to the township police by calling 732-341-1132 x 611. Tips can remain anonymous. Tips can also be emailed to detective@btpdnj.org

Image: Patch file photo