Attempted Burglary Thwarted In Florham Park

FLORHAM PARK, NJ—An attempted burglary was thwarted when a Florham Park resident discovered someone trying to break into his home early Monday morning, police said.

According to a Florham Park Police statement, a resident of Sterling Drive, in the Riverbed Complex, notified police at approximately 4:10 a.m. on Sept. 28 that someone was outside the home and attempting to enter through an unlocked sliding glass door. The resident was able to scare the intruder away.

Police said the first Florham Park officer arriving at the scene saw a suspect in a nearby wooded area and ordered him to stop. The person, described by police as a tall male in a hoodie, ran and the officer was unable to catch him on foot.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, Chatham Borough Police and Livingston Police Departments each assisted in searching the area, but the suspect was not located. Florham Park Police said the intruder never got into the home and there was no property lost and no injuries resulting from the incident.

"All residents are reminded of the importance of keeping all doors and windows locked," said the police statement, "for both cars and homes, as well as reporting all suspicious activity to the police immediately."

The incident is the latest in a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the area. Chatham Township Police, already investigating multiple break-ins earlier in the month, made one arrest and detained two juveniles last week, possibly in connection with some of the crimes.

Chatham Township Police Chief Thomas Miller, speaking after last week's arrest, said residents can make themselves less of a target by locking their homes and vehicles, as most of these burglaries involve unlocked cars, windows, and doors.

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