KEARNY –
Police were able to solve four daytime break-ins and attempted break-ins when they apprehended the alleged burglar and his female lookout after a botched entry on Brighton Ave. last Thursday, authorities reported.
At 12:45 p.m., a man living on Brighton near Afton St. was working in his basement when he saw a pair of feet coming through the window. Realizing the home was occupied, the burglar fled, and the resident called the cops.
Police said the responding officer, P.O. Tom Bannon, spotted a man and a woman walking on Patterson St. and detained the male. The woman, who had continued on towards Kearny Ave., was stopped by other officers and was returned to the scene, where the homeowner reportedly identified both.
According to police, the pair, a 34-year-old Kearny man and his 32-year-old lookout from Florham Park, were also linked to another attempted burglary on Brighton, a break-in on the same street and a burglary and theft on Maple St., all that morning.
Police reportedly recovered a stolen laptop in a backpack (also stolen) that the man was carrying. They said the computer, along with jewelry found in the suspect’s pockets, came from the Maple St. residence.
The couple were arrested on multiple charges including burglary, conspiracy and theft.
The man was remanded to the Hudson County Jail on $50,000 bail; his companion, on $10,000.
— Karen Zautyk
