Ridgewood PD: Paterson Man Stole Cars, Broke Into Homes

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – A Paterson man faces charges after authorities say he stole four cars, burglarized four unlocked homes and broke into numerous unlocked vehicles in Ridgewood over the last few months.

John Johnson, 32, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation launched by village detectives into the incidents, which were reported between July 10 and Sept. 15, Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke said.

According to the chief, the investigation reveal that unlocked homes and vehicles were specifically targeted, while locked ones were bypassed.

Johnson was charged with four counts of motor vehicle theft, four counts of burglary, one count of conspiracy to commit burglary, two counts of theft of movable property and one count of eluding a law enforcement officer.

He is being held at Bergen County Jail, she said.

Luthcke urged residents to secure their vehicles and homes, as well as remove all valuables – including keys and fobs – from their vehicles to deter thefts.