South Orange Saw Several Home Intrusions, Burglaries Last Month: PD

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Several burglaries and home intrusions were reported in South Orange last month, authorities say.

According to the South Orange Police Department’s online blotter, the following incidents took place in the village during November:

Nov. 3 – “The SOPD received a call from East Orange Police Department regarding a vehicle registered to a South Orange address that was involved in a motor vehicle accident in their jurisdiction. Officers responded to the residence on Spier Drive and observed the front door open, resulting in an interior check. Officers noticed the rear door had been pried open causing damage to the frame and the house appeared to be ransacked and the vehicle stolen while the homeowner was away. The vehicle in East Orange was towed back to South Orange for fingerprinting.”

Nov. 15 – “The SOPD received a call about a commercial burglary alarm and responded to Village Smoke Shop (4 Village Plaza) at 2:24 a.m. Officers observed shattered glass outside of the business and another officer observed an individual running from the store. Officers stopped the individual and camera footage from the store confirmed the individual kicking in the front door and stealing items. The individual was arrested and identified as Anthony Williams, 22, of Newark. [He] was processed and transported to the county jail.”

Nov. 15 – “A resident walked into police headquarters and told officers they believed their home was burglarized. The victim resides on Lenox Avenue and stated they believe their wallet was in their kitchen. The individual’s wallet was found in a stolen vehicle located in Bloomfield, along with other stolen items. The victim’s card had several fraudulent charges as well. The detective bureau is actively looking into this matter.”

Nov. 23 – “The SOPD received a call from a resident on Crest Drive stating someone was in their home. The resident stated the alarm was activated and went downstairs to check and saw a flashlight and then observed a dark-colored SUV drive off. The resident stated they left the door unlocked and the house did not appear to be ransacked.”

Nov. 29 – “The SOPD received a call from a resident on Milton Place stating they observed two individuals rummaging inside a vehicle with ski masks on. Officers responded and spotted the two individuals matching the description. After a brief foot chase, both individuals were taken into police custody. The individuals were both juveniles (15 and 16) and were processed and released to their families from police headquarters.”

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