Watchful Neighbor Prevents Break-in, Police Say

Collingswood police applauded the vigilance of a "nosy" neighbor who notified them when something didn't look quite right outside of an apartment in the 400 block of Richey Ave. one morning. 

At 8:15 a.m. on April 29, police say a witness observed a man trying to open an exterior window to the apartment and called them.

At the scene, officers encountered a man who matched the provided description: Thomas Helvig, 32, of Collingswood, who was known to them through prior encounters.

Helvig was charged with third-degree criminal attempt burglary and was remanded to the Camden County correctional facility on $8,000 full-cash bail.

"Give credit where credit is due: we have the support of the community," said Cpl. Tom Hartshaw.