Nutley Police are investigating a Hay Ave. Burglary that occurred on 5/24/2016 between 11:00 Last evening and 5:00 AM this morning.
But this was no innocent case of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Instead, the thief made off with stolen items - including the sleeping residents' car!
Upon waking the residents realized that their home was in disarray it was determined that they had been burglarized while sleeping.
It appears the actor gained entry from an open first floor window and exited through glass sliding doors making off with proceeds. The actor then took a set of keys and stole the victims 2010 Toyota that was parked in the driveway.
Chief Thomas Strumolo said that this is extremely rare that someone would risk entering an occupied home and has increased patrols within the township. He said that there were nine motor vehicles that were burglarized in the immediate area including Burnett, Grant and Hay and believes the same actor is responsible. He warns residents to lock their vehicles and windows and doors. He said proactive measures would deter an actor from targeting a home, such as trimming shrubs, lighting dim areas, and installing home security systems.
Commissioner and Police Director Alphonse Petracco said it is very brazing that someone would enter a home knowing that the occupants were inside. Someone desperate enough to enter a home while occupied may have been desperate enough to cause harm. He said the Essex Prosecutors Crime Scene Unit responded to process the scene, and is confident the actor will be apprehended.
The vehicle has not yet been recovered, and incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information are asked to contact Nutley Police 973-284-4940
