Police are investigating a break-in at the home of New Jersey Republican Assemblyman Paul Kanitra.

Security video shows suspects breaking into a home in the West Keansburg part of Hazlet around 6 a.m. Wednesday. Kanitra and his wife have been temporarily living there with his mother-in-law.

Kanitra says his family is safe but was shaken up after the incident.

“It makes you feel very vulnerable, that's for sure,” said Assemblyman Kanitra.

“It was one of the most frightening things,” said Kanitra’s wife, Alora Kanitra.

The assemblyman was on his way to Washington D.C. when the break-in happened. His wife and mother-in-law were inside the home.

“These thugs came into the house,” said Assemblyman Kanitra. “They searched all over.” “They ransacked the kitchen area, and they stole my purse,” said Alora Kanitra. “They broke four windows. The doors were triple-locked.”

Hazlet police are reminding residents to lock their cars, remove valuables and hide car keys.

But Assemblyman Kanitra says this shows that even taking all the right steps doesn’t stop these crimes.

“When [police] came, they could never recall anybody breaking into a house to find the keys,” said Assemblyman Kanitra.

The assemblyman says juvenile crime rings are responsible for many of these thefts around New Jersey.

He is proposing a bill that would mandate sentencing for these crimes regardless of age, unless the accused rehabilitates and helps authorities take down the broader criminal operation.