Car Burglary Spree Near West Orange Shopping Center, Cops Make Arrest

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange police made an arrest in connection with a car burglary spree that took place at the Essex Green Shopping Plaza during the week before Thanksgiving.

The West Orange Police Department released the following details about the thefts and ensuing investigation on Wednesday:

“On November 25 and 26 during the evening hours, West Orange Township experienced numerous vehicle burglaries at the Essex Green Shopping Plaza. They were reported in the parking lot of LA Fitness and various surrounding areas of the shopping plaza. Despite having very little evidence at the scenes of the burglaries, WOPD detective Austin Vanderhoof was able to positively identify and charge an individual responsible for the burglaries. Det. Vanderhoof was able to compile evidence by analyzing video footage of the area and linked it to a suspect by successful intelligence collaboration with the Verona and Cedar Grove police departments. By partnering with these law enforcement agencies, Det. Vanderhoof was able to positively identify the actor. He also further supplemented his investigation through covert surveillance, interviews and searches that eventually led to an arrest.”

On Monday, police charged Hakir Hodges, 28, of Newark, with eight counts of burglary/theft from motor vehicles and two counts of attempted burglary to motor vehicles.

Hodges has since been remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, authorities said.

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