Burglar Smashed Store Near Bergen County Home, Stole $990 In Cigarettes, Police Say

TEANECK, NJ — A burglar who smashed the door of a Teaneck stationary store and made off with nine cartons of cigarettes has been captured, police said.

Police said that on May 7, they were dispatched to Rocklin’s Stationary Store at 458 Cedar Lane.

Police determined that someone had the entered the business overnight, shortly after 1 a.m.

A preliminary investigation determined that someone smashed the glass door, then took cash from the register. The person made off with nine cartons of cigarettes, valued at $990.

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Identification responded to document the scene and look for evidence.

Detectives believed Robert Hamway, 59, who lived around the corner, was the primary suspect.

After police reviewed nearby surveillance, they charged Hamway with third-degree burglary, third-degree theft, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools, which is a disorderly persons offense, they said.

Hamway was arrested and brought to the Bergen County Rehabilitation and Correctional Facility on May 15.

Two days later, police searched Hamway's residence on Alma Avenue and found more evidence, police said.

Police said that anyone with information related to this incident or any other criminal investigation should contact the Teaneck Police Department at 201-837-2600, or Crime Stoppers.

Tips can be made anonymously on the group’s website at www.bergencrimestoppers.org or by calling 844-466-6789, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.