WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Police in South Jersey are looking for a brazen burglar who broke into a house and tried to get into two others on New Year’s Eve. At one point, he even disabled a resident’s doorbell camera.
The burglar was on Freedom Road, Valley Run Drive and Constitution Road in the Heritage Valley neighborhood of Washington Township between 7 and 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, police said.
Police said he failed to enter two homes but was successful with a third by accessing a rear window. Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik said the man stole a box of jewelry and a case of beer.
The suspect is seen standing on an air conditioner unit at that residence and disconnecting a Ring security camera, which was able to capture clear footage of him before it went offline.
The bottom of the suspect’s face is covered, but his eyes are visible. He is wearing dark clothing and blue gloves and is holding a screwdriver, police said.
Investigators are asking residents to check their home security camera footage for suspicious activity on the night of New Year’s Eve. Tips can be shared anonymously with the Washington Township Police Department.
Gurcsik said burglaries don’t happen often in Washington Township, so this is a reminder for residents to be careful.
“Lock your car doors, lock your house doors, lock your house gates. Be aware,” he advised. “Any suspicious activity, call the police department.”