According to NJ.com, a South Amboy man was arrested last week on suspicion of a burglary that took place on April 5, 2014. The alleged burglar entered the London Terrace home in the Parlin area of Old Bridge of a man who was not present at the time of the break-in. Unbeknownst to the intruder, however, were the “Dropcam” units in the domicile that not only recorded the intruder, but also were linked to the owner’s phone. The owner, when notified by his mobile device that there was a person in his home, confronted the intruder via speakers. Allegedly, the intruder then fled with two stolen cameras.
The subsequent joint investigation by Old Bridge and East Brunswick police ended with the suspect’s arrest at Carraba’s Restaurant in east Brunswick, where he was employed under an alias and had taken great steps to alter his identity; including cutting his hair and shaving his facial hair.
The individual was charged with burglary and is now incarcerated and awaiting trial at Middlesex County Jail on $25,000 bail. Burglary is a serious offense accompanied by grave consequences. In New Jersey, a burglary occurs “if, with purpose to commit an offense therein he:
(1) Enters a research facility, structure, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof unless the structure was at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter; or
(2) Surreptitiously remains in a research facility, structure, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so.”
Burglary is normally a crime of the third degree unless the use of a weapon or the threat of physical violence accompanies the act. In such cases, it would be upgraded to a crime of the second degree. Additionally, it is important to understand that a person need not actually steal anything in order to be convicted so long as the element is met that the alleged burglar intended to commit a crime within the designated dwelling.
At the Law Offices of William Proetta Criminal Law, our attorneys handle burglary charges throughout Middlesex County. Feel free to contact our office at (732) 659-9600 for more information on how we can assist you.
