Rise In Home Burglaries In Chatham, Police Warn

CHATHAM, NJ — Police are warning residents about a rise in home burglaries in the Chatham area over the past year.

"This concerning trend of home invasions is on the rise in Chatham Borough, extending to surrounding municipalities within Morris County and the entire state," Chief of Police Brian Gibbons said.

According to police, two burglaries have occurred in the borough since Sunday.

On Sunday, an occupied home on upper Fairmount Avenue was burglarized, resulting in the theft of two vehicles from the driveway. The suspects gained entry to the home by breaking a first-floor window and then stealing the keys to the vehicles from inside.

Using the stolen keys, the suspects drove away with the locked vehicles from the driveway.

"Fortunately, no confrontation occurred during the incident," Gibbons said.

On Monday, at about 6:44 p.m., an unoccupied Chandler Road residence was also burglarized. The suspects made their way into the home through the rear glass door and fled through the front door after several minutes when the home burglar alarm was activated.

No suspects were caught, police said.

The Chatham Borough Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and Morris County Sheriff's Office are working together on those two investigations.

Gibbons stated that he had directed increased police resources to combat the rise in home burglaries.

As previously stated, additional police officers are being assigned and reassigned to areas experiencing an upsurge in burglary activity. Additional technologies are also being deployed to aid local police, and special enforcement teams have been activated to supplement patrol.

"This incident marks the fifth of its kind since April 2023 and is the unfortunate evolution to your positive efforts in securing vehicles and homes," Gibbons said.

In neighboring Chatham Township, police sent out a similar warning to residents.

"Over the past few months, our community has witnessed an increase in home break-ins, predominantly linked to the theft of high-end luxury vehicles parked in driveways and garages," Chatham Township Police Chief Thomas Miller said.

The majority of the burglaries and break-ins happened in the early evening hours when it began to get dark, police said.

Since January 2023, there have been nine attempted home break-ins, 1 home break-in, and two stolen vehicles in the township.

Residents are asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the local police department.

Additionally, residents are asked to take precautions to minimize the chance of being victimized. Precautionary measures include locking all doors and windows, notifying neighbors if you will be away for an extended period of time, and securing all valuables.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage regarding the above burglaries is requested to contact the Chatham Borough Police Department at 973-635-8000 immediately.

"Your cooperation and vigilance are crucial in helping us curb this disturbing trend. Together, we can work towards a safer community," the police said.