Serial Burglar Charged In Eton Road Break-in, Police Chief Says

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Robert Meloni is no stranger to detectives in Berkeley, Toms River and Brick Township.

That's because he's been charged with over 30 burglaries over the past 8 years and did time in New Jersey State Prison. Just one week after he was released in 2015, he was arrested for a burglary in the Silver Ridge Park section of Berkeley.

But old habits apparently die hard.

Meloni was arrested again on July 18 for a forced entry burglary in an Eton Road home, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Thc victim told Berkeley Patrolman Shane Leighton that the home was entered while they were out and valuables, including jewelry, were stolen, the chief said.

Berkeley Detective Michael O’Connor also responded to process the scene. The initial investigation led to the arrest of Meloni, 52, Berkeley Township, for at least one burglary on Eton Road, DiMichele said.

Detectives began surveillance on him in the early morning hours at a Eton Road home he was known to stay in. Meloni was seen taking a cab to the Toms River Bus Terminal at 9:30 a.m.

"With the potential for him to flee the area, detectives took him into custody without incident as he was to board a bus to Monmouth County," DiMichele said.

Ocean County Superior Court Judge James Gluck approved a search warrant at the Eton Road home where Meloni was known to stay. Police found many people in the home, she said.

The investigation led to the arrest of Carol Thompson, 48, Eton Road. Evidence from the previous day’s burglary was recovered. Thompson was charged with burglary and theft and was taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, DiMichele said.

Meloni was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit theft and was also lodged in the Ocean County Jail. More charges are possible, since Meloni is a suspect in at least 11 outstanding Berkeley Township burglaries in 2018, DiMichele said..

The successful operation was conducted by the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau, including Lieutenant Peter La Rocca and detectives Michael O’Connor, Joseph Santoro, Michael Riccardelli and Patrolman Al Foca. They were assisted by Lieutenant Michael Roth and Patrolman Michael Poikans of the Berkeley Township patrol division.

Officers from neighboring towns who assisted included, Sergeant Vincent La Rocca of the Ocean Gate Police Department and Detective Mark Bajada and Detective Pat Jacques of the Toms River Police Department.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-1132 x611. Tips can be anonymous.

Photo: Courtesy of Berkeley Township Police Department