Police investigating break-ins in Cranford
Also watch Cranford Police Chief on Channel 7 news re: these break-ins by going to
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=7006561

by Leslie Murray/Cranford Chronicle

Tuesday September 08, 2009, 4:28 PM

CRANFORD, NJ -- Police are investigating a string of overnight break-ins that have occurred in the township since mid-August, and they are asking residents to be on the lookout for a cat burglar.

According to police, the suspect has entered three homes on the north side of Cranford and unsuccessfully attempted to enter another home, gaining access through unlocked windows and doors on the first floor of homes while the residents are asleep.

Lieutenant Robert Colaneri said that the burglaries are occurring in the late evening and early morning hours, with the suspect taking cash from wallets and purses left on counters in the home's kitchen and surrounding area.

"It's been just cash," Colaneri said, explaining that electronics and other items in the homes have remained untouched during the break-ins. When the homeowners awaken the next morning, they find broken glass or cut window screens and their wallets emptied.

The first burglary occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and the second occurred just two days later on Thursday, Aug. 20. Another home was broken into Tuesday, Sept. 1.

A Springfield Avenue resident reported on Monday, Sept. 7 that a burglar had attempted to break into the home.

Colaneri said that the burglaries and attempted break-in have all occurred within a half mile radius, in areas that are near the Roselle and Kenilworth borders.

The Cranford Police Department has reached out to surround police departments for assistance. Residents are asked to remember to lock all accessible windows and doors prior to retiring for the evening or leaving home.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is urged to call Detective Robert Montague or Detective John Swandrak at 908-272-2222.