Jersey Shore communities are being told to stay alert, even after the arrest of a man wanted in a string of home invasions and vehicle thefts.

Bay Head police say several suspects, including a now arrested 19-year-old Samir White of Newark, were seen outside of the targeted home on Dec. 13 around 3 a.m. Police say the group ended up breaking in, and moments later, driving off with a $75,000 Mercedes G-Class and a previously stolen BMW.

“You can only imagine how the homeowners feel that their houses are violated now,” said Bay Head Police Chief John LaSpina.

Attorney General Matt Platkin says White’s crimes spanned all over the Jersey Shore, breaking into homes and stealing keys and vehicles beginning back in November in Lakewood. White allegedly targeted homes and cars in Sea Girt, Wall Township, Bay Head and East Orange in December. The suspect’s stolen car was seen in Tinton Falls and tracked to Newark, where White was captured after trying to run from police in January.

“It definitely upped the ante on our end now that it’s considered home invasion and now a first-degree crime,” said LaSpina.

The change in penalties came last fall. If convicted of the most serious charge of home invasion burglary, White could spend 10 to 20 years in jail. He remains locked up in Monmouth County as he awaits future court dates.

The new laws separate the crimes of home invasion, a first-degree felony, and residential burglary, a second-degree felony. If convicted, 85% of the sentence must be served under the No Early Release Act.

The attorney general says the total value of vehicles White is suspected of stealing is $700,000.

“It's a great message but talk is cheap. We have to make sure that we follow through as law enforcement to make sure these people, not only are they charged, but they stay in jail where they belong for doing these heinous crimes,” said Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran.

"I would think a 10 or 20-year sentence for a 17-year-old kid or 18-year-old kid is something that they would not want to do what they were doing and change their ways,” said LaSpina.

Police continue to warn the public that there are more suspects out there. They say that any people who encounter these thieves should treat them as being armed and extremely dangerous. Police say residents should get themselves to a safe spot and call 911 immediately.