Man Broke Into Middlesex Co. Smoke Shop, Stole $7K In Cash, Police Say

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH, NJ — A Piscataway man broke into a Middlesex borough smoke shop and stole $7,003 in cash and merchandise from the store, said Middlesex borough Police.

He then returned to the store and tried to break in a second time, said Middlesex Police.

The store is Smoking Panda, at 230 Mountain Avenue. On the morning of July 9, store employees called police to report someone had broken in overnight. Employees said $7,003 in cash and merchandise was stolen from the store.

Then, at 6:30 a.m. the next day, July 10, store employees again called police to report that someone tried to break in again during the overnight hours. This time, they did not get inside.

Brandon Soares, 33, of Piscataway is charged by Middlesex Police as the suspect. He was arrested last Thursday at his home in Piscataway and charged with burglary, attempted burglary, theft, two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of having burglary tools.

"This arrest is a testament to the outstanding teamwork between our patrol officers and detectives," said Middlesex Police Chief Matthew Geist. "Their swift coordination, relentless follow-up and dedication to protecting our community led to the successful resolution of this case.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Paul Cerreto at (732)356-1900 ext. 366 or at pcerreto@middlesexpd.com.