Serial Burglar Suspected in 150 Burglaries Across North Jersey

A man suspected in more than 150 commercial burglaries in four New Jersey counties over the last two years has been caught on surveillance tape by the West Orange Police Department.

The video of the serial burglar's last known job, on Nov. 18 at 4:30 a.m., at the #1 Chinese Kitchen on Main Street, depicts the man breaking into the restaurant by smashing the lower half of a glass door, crawling through the opening, and rummaging through the cash register. He found the register empty and left 15 minutes later, police said. 

Once police captured the man’s appearance on tape, they were able to get his face out across state channels, West Orange Det. Edwin Diaz said.

"Bergen County Prosecutor's office has him tied to 150 burglaries already within Bergen, Essex, Passiac and Union counties," said Diaz.  "He's been doing this for two years and just hasn't been caught yet."

Diaz said police departments from Millburn, Montclair, Verona and Fairfield called almost immediately after receiving the photo. He is wanted by at least 10 other departments, Diaz said.

The burglar, described as a black man, approximately 6 feet tall, with a beard, mustache and in his mid-30’s to early 40’s, and wearing a hooded jacket, usually strikes at night. 

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s office put out an alert saying businesses in strip malls, such as bakeries, bagel shops, delis and dry cleaners have also been hit.  

Diaz is asking that any residents or other agencies with information call him at 973-325-4020 or ediaz@westorange.org.