Neighbor Helps Police Nab 3 Teens After Home Break-In In Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Three teens who were trying to steal a vehicle were arrested Friday night after a neighbor saw them break into a home and called police, Gloucester Township police said Saturday.

The teen boys — two 14-year-olds and a 13-year-old — are being held at a juvenile detention center after the incident that happened shortly before 8 p.m. on Friday, Lt. Bernard Dougherty said.

A neighbor called police after seeing the boys, who were wearing ski masks, break into a home on Pine Glen Drive in the Sicklerville section, Dougherty said.

The neighbor stayed on the phone with police while they were en route, Dougherty said, telling officers the three boys had come out of the house carrying numerous items and went to a vehicle to try to steal it and flee, he said.

When the vehicle wouldn't start, the teens took off on foot and police chased them on foot, catching all three and taking them to Gloucester Township Police headquarters before transferring them to the juvenile detention center, Dougherty said.

All three teens were charged with burglary of a residence, conspiracy, burglary of a vehicle, criminal attempt motor vehicle theft, theft, possession of burglar tools and criminal mischief.

"This case is proof of the excellent partnership we have working together between the Gloucester Township Police and our community," Chief Anthony Minosse said. "We consistently remind residents to call the police if they see suspicious behavior. In this situation, an alert citizen directly allowed us to respond swiftly and make these arrests. We thank our residents who trusted their instincts and quickly spoke up, along with their dedication to public safety."

The department said it continues to partner with local and state law enforcement agencies to aggressively investigate and charge offenders involved in motor vehicle burglaries and related crimes.

"Our officers and detectives work diligently to identify offenders, respond to their residences, and pursue criminal charges with zero tolerance for this type of criminal activity," the department said. "The GTPD will also hold parents accountable when juveniles are unsupervised and engaged in criminal behavior."

Police urge residents to stay alert to unusual or suspicious behavior, lock their vehicles, remove key fobs and valuables from vehicles, and immediately report suspicious activity to police.

The Gloucester Township Police Department encourages anyone in need of police assistance to contact the department at 856-228-4500. Information can also be provided anonymously through the GTPD online tip portal at GTPD Online Tip Portal, via the GTPD Anonymous Tip Line at (856) 842-5560, or by texting “TIPGLOTWPPD” followed by your message to 888777.