Man Charged In Nearly A Dozen Vehicle Burglaries In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Toms River man has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries in Pine Lake Park, Manchester police announced Thursday.

Cody A. Diaz, 30, was arrested Wednesday after a Pine Lake Park resident saw a man matching the description of a person sought in burglaries that had happened Tuesday, Capt. Albert Vega said.

There were nearly a dozen vehicle burglaries reported in Pine Lake Park on Tuesday, Vega said, and police released video surveillance showing the suspect in the act and asking for information about the person's identity.

About 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, a resident saw a man behaving suspiciously who matched the description and called police. The officers who responded found Diaz had a bicycle that had been reported stolen on Tuesday, along with other items that had been taken during Tuesday's burglaries, Vega said.

Diaz was arrested, and additional evidence collected further linked Diaz to several of the reported vehicle burglaries, he said.

Diaz has been charged with eight counts of burglary, four counts of theft by unlawful taking, two counts of credit card theft, receiving stolen property and shoplifting, and is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

"We encourage the community to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities," Vega said. "Additionally, please ensure that your vehicles are securely locked to help prevent further incidents."

Anyone with information regarding additional vehicle burglaries is urged to contact the Manchester Township Police, Detective Richard Conklin at 732-657-2009, ext. 4211.

Anonymous tips can be submitted on the Manchester Police Department's website. Tips may also be submitted through private Facebook message.