Rockaway police alert residents about burglaries
ROCKAWAY – Police are asking for the public to be on the alert following a string of burglaries this week.
The first occurred Monday afternoon at a Walnut Place home near the Chestnut Terrace intersection.
The home's rear door was kicked in and jewelry and a handgun were stolen, police said.
A witness told police that a mid-sized black SUV with several occupants was parked outside the home at the time the burglary is believed to have taken place.
Residents are asked to share the information on Facebook and to call 911 or Rockaway Borough Police if they see a vehicle matching the description in the borough or notice anything suspicious.
Police cautioned residents not to approach if they see a matching vehicle or something suspicious because the suspect or suspects may be armed.
Wednesday morning, police reported two additional burglaries in occurred in the borough Tuesday.
The first occurred on Drake Avenue near Firemen's Field between 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. The suspect or suspects gained entry through an unlocked first floor window and stole jewelry, police said.
The second occurred between 6 and 9:45 p.m. on Andrea Drive near Morris Hills High School. The suspect or suspects gained entry through a locked sliding patio door and jewelry and money were stolen from the home, police said.
"Please remember that these burglaries may very well have occurred during the late afternoon or early evening hours so stay alert," read the Facebook post Wednesday. "If you see something suspicious call us at 973-627-1314 or 9-1-1 if it is emergent. We want your calls no matter how minor it may seem and that includes even for solicitors as we want to make the determination of what is right in order to help protect you and your property."
Borough Chief Douglas Scheer said it is too early in the investigation to say the burglaries are related.
"It's just too soon to say. One happened Monday, two on Tuesday, one during the day and the others at night," Scheer said. "The only link I would say right now is two occurred on the same day in the same time pattern."
Scheer said he was "reluctant to discuss" additional details Wednesday afternoon, but said he hopes aggressive use of social media to spread the word will aid in the investigation.
"That's the fastest way. I'm hopeful to tap into the conscience of people who know something and are willing to do the right thing," Scheer said. "We're taking a lot of calls right now, a lot of leads, which is exactly what we want. I want to know everything."
Sheer said police will continue to update the public on the situation, but cannot provide too much detail because suspects can also access the Facebook page.
Police also reminded residents to lock all windows and vehicles, notify the police when leaving for vacation, and vary routines if possible.
Rockaway Borough Police also linked to the Morris County Crimestoppers website Wednesday, http://www.morriscrimestoppers.org/, asking for the public to call with any information. In addition to 911, people can also call police at 973-627-1314, or Morris County Crimestoppers at 973-COP-CALL. Tips can be anonymous, police said.
"The damage that is done can be repaired but the emotional toll it takes on our residents is only to be fixed with closure and you may hold that key," read the post. "If you have the information to close a case and provide that comfort we ask you to click on the link and do the right thing."
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@dailyrecord.com