iPhone Used to Track Alleged New Providence Car Burglar

Police used a stolen iPhone to track and arrest a man they say broke into cars to steal goods.

Kevin Ritchie, 31, of Bernardsville was arrested by New Providence police Sunday after officers took a report of a theft at the Community Pool.

Police say Ritchie smashed a car window and stole a purse containing cash, credit cards, gift cards and an iPhone.

Patrolman Andrew Diamond tracked the iPhone to a Springfield Avenue business parking lot in Berkeley Heights, where he found Ritchie sitting in a parked car, police said. Diamond pulled behind Ritchie, who attempted to back out, police said. An alert was sent to the iPhone, which began beeping in Ritchie's front seat.

He was taken into custody with help from Berkeley Heights police.

During the arrest, officers were approached by a woman who said she followed Ritchie from the New Providence Methodist Church after Sunday service, as he was walking around the church and day care. Police said they found a digital camera in the car that he had stolen from the day care.

Additionally, officers also found the proceeds from two car burglaries in Long Hill.

Ritchie was charged with two counts of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools. He was transported to the Union County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.