The Roselle Park Police Department is investigating two (2) incidents of burglary to residences by diversion.
The first incident occurred on Monday, June 7, at approximately 4:30 pm. One (1) male described as white or Hispanic approached an elderly male on the 100 block of Butler Avenue and engaged him in conversation; diverting the homeowner’s attention away from the home while another male entered the home and committed the burglary. The second male was confronted by a female in the home who called police. The two left in an unknown direction.
The second incident occurred on Thursday, June 10th at approximately 2:15 p.m. One (1) male again approached an elderly female on the 100 block of Grove Street. Again he diverted the resident’s attention away from the home while a second male entered the home and committed the burglary.
In both cases the the suspects appear to have had a vehicle waiting with a driver ready to leave the area once the burglary was committed. The description of the actors is as follows:
- Suspect #1 – White or Hispanic; between 5? 5? – 5? 7?; Small build; No facial hair; Balding or bald; Seen wearing a striped shirt.
- Suspect #2 – White or Hispanic; between 5? 10? – 6? 0?; Heavy set; No facial hair; Wearing a multi-striped shirt.
Both of these men exit the vehicle to commit the burglary. One diverts attention while the other enters the home but are never seen together. The vehicle is a black SUV (Jeep Cherokee) with an out-of-state plate (no front plate). The driver of the vehicle was wearing an orange construction worker shirt.
Residents are asked to be alert for any suspicious vehicles and individuals in the area and to report any suspicious activity to police at (908) 245-2300 or 911.