Long Hill Township, NJ police have asked for the public’s assistance as they try to track down suspects who have committed multiple burglaries in the area.
According to police, multiple individuals have been knocking on area residents’ doors in recent weeks and inquiring about a missing dog. Police believe that the burglars continue to knock on doors until they come across a residence that is unoccupied. At that point, police say, the individuals enter the premises and steal property.
Burglaries involving a similar modus operandi have also been reported in Chatham Township, NJ.
The investigation has come up dry thus far, prompting police to ask the public to be on the lookout for the burglars. Police have instructed the public to contact police if anyone knocks on the door asking about a lost dog.
In New Jersey, burglary is governed under N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2. As set forth by the statute, burglary is classified as a third degree criminal offense. That means that if the suspects in this case are apprehended and convicted, they could be sentenced to as many as five years in New Jersey State Prison.
A burglary offense requires entering a structure (whether it be a house, vehicle, etc.) without permission with the intent to commit a crime therein. The underlying crime does not have to be a theft, it could also be an aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal mischief, or sexual assault. If a burglary is committed with a weapon this typically is enhanced to a second degree crime punishable by 5-10 years in prison.
Burglary Investigation Long Hill Twp. – Morris County NJ
For more information, access the NJ.com article entitled “Cops: We Need Public’s Help Finding Burglars Knocking on Doors, Looking for Missing Dog.”