Caldwell Burglar Linked to Crimes Around State

A man suspected of burglarizing five Caldwell restaurants in March has been tied to more than 150 burglaries in northern New Jersey over the last two years, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. 

The same man who on March 3 is believed to be responsible for burglaries all around Essex County, as well as Bergen, Passaic and Union counties, Caldwell Police Det. Brad Palatucci confirmed Friday. 

The burglar's most recent hit is believed to be a Chinese Restaurant in West Orange on Nov. 18 at 4:30 a.m. A surveillance camera caught the suspect smashing the bottom of a glass door, entering through the opening and rummaging through the cash register, according to the West Orange Police Department. 

The Caldwell burglaries have similarities to the West Orange incident, with the suspect breaking through a door while the business was closed and targeting the cash register. Surveillance cameras in Caldwell and West Orange captured images of the burglar.

"[The West Orange] picture seems to match ours," Palatucci said.

Hong Kong Chinese Kitchen, Ocha Sushi, Nori Sushi, Genc's Pizza, and Tony D's Pizzeria in Caldwell all reported burglaries on the same morning in March. The five restaurants are within a block of one another.

In addition to Caldwell, police departments in Fairfield, Verona, Montclair and Millburn believe the suspect has hit businesses in their towns.

The burglar is described as a black man in his mid-30’s to early 40’s, about 6 feet tall. He wears a hoodie and usually strikes at night. 

Read more about the overnight burglar:

• Burglar Hits Five Restaurants in Caldwell
• Caldwell Police Release Images of Suspect
• Serial Burglar Suspected in 150 Burglaries Across North Jersey