Arrests Made After Chatham Township Burglaries: Police

CHATHAM, NJ—Chatham Township Police arrested one man and detained two juveniles early Tuesday morning after a series of recent burglaries, police said.

According to officials, Chatham Township Sgt. Brad Hayworth was on patrol in the predawn hours when he saw three people walking down Lafayette Avenue. After interviewing the trio, Sgt. Hayworth placed the adult under arrest, charging him with providing false information and hindering apprehension.

The two juveniles were taken into protective custody but have not been charged yet, according to Chatham Township Police Chief Thomas Miller. All three people detained are from Newark, according to police.

The arrests come in the wake of a rash of break-ins in Chatham Township, including a home invasion and vehicle theft last week, and multiple homes burglarized in mid-September.

The investigation is ongoing, and Miller said detectives will need to determine whether the suspects apprehended Tuesday are connected to the previous burglaries in town. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. David Gallo at Chatham Township Police.

Last Thursday, Chief Miller and Chatham Borough Chief Brian Gibbons held a Zoom call with the public, when Miller addressed the efforts of his officers in stopping the recent burglaries.

"We are diligently out there nightly," said Miller, during the call, "whether you see us in a police car or not. I can't give away our tactics, but trust me, we are out there."

After Tuesday's arrest, Miller reminded residents that there is an easy way to minimize potential for break-ins.

"We need people to consistently lock their doors and set their alarms," said Miller. "That's the best way to combat these burglaries."