More home invasions were reported in Monmouth County this weekend. As families slept early on St. Patrick's Day, thieves were breaking inside looking for keys.
Police say the break-ins happened around 5 a.m. in the Jerseyville section of Howell Township Sunday morning. According to police, the suspects were dressed in all black and got inside two unlocked homes on Vail Lane and Barrister Court. They were also seen on camera on other back porches looking for ways inside of homes. Police say the thieves got away with a 2024 Range Rover and a 2022 white Cadillac Escalade. The Range Rover was located in Jersey City, according to officials.
The latest break-in fits a growing pattern of home invasions seen statewide since the start of 2024. Although no one was hurt, in at least two cases, homeowners in Manalapan and also in Howell, scared off the intruders by showing their legally owned guns. Police chiefs in the targeted areas tell News 12 they're doing everything they can but because many of these suspects are minors, they don't have the same consequences as adults if they get caught.
Police remind the community to keep their homes locked and keys away from doors, windows, and garages.