VIDEO: Suspects steal ID, badge from personal vehicle of retired firefighter

Police in Linden are looking for two suspects after compelling video shows them going through a retired firefighters’ personal vehicle and walking away with his ID and badge.

News 12 Staff

Mar 3, 2020, 3:42 PM

Updated 1,520 days ago

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Police in Linden are looking for two suspects after compelling video shows them going through a retired firefighters’ personal vehicle and walking away with his ID and badge.
The victim is retired Linden Firefighter Christopher Lukenda, who had 28 years of service. Lukenda says the suspects were looking for opportunity and took advantage of his one mistake.
“In this one time where I didn’t lock my door,” says Lukenda. “This is my fault. I have to say it’s my fault. I didn’t lock my door.”
The incident happened Monday around 4:20 a.m. when police say the suspects walked into his Garfield Street driveway, but apparently didn’t recognize they were being recorded.
“Someone invaded your privacy and took your belongings and in this case, my wallet with my fire department badge and ID from the Linden Fire Department,” says Lukenda.
The dash cam video shows the suspects going through the vehicle, even giving police a very clear shot of one of their faces.
Police say just about every time, if not every time, items are stolen from a car, it’s because the doors are not locked.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police at 908-474-8500.


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