From the South Orange Police Department:
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO RESIDENTS:
Special attention to the Montrose area
Recently we have had a number of incidents believed to be committed by the same individual.
On 4/13/16, at approximately 2:10pm, an Irving Avenue resident observed a Black or Hispanic male in the rear yard of a house that is currently for sale. The person is believed to be the same actor from the day before who was observed by the realtor attempting to enter the same home. He fled the area on foot upon police arrival. The area was extensively searched by officers and the Essex County K-9 unit with negative results. The investigation revealed that the actor had utilized a bicycle that he left at the scene. It was recovered by the Detective Bureau and the investigation is ongoing.
The man wore dark clothing, navy pants and hoodie. He may be targeting homes that appear unoccupied, with for sale signs out front. He is most likely coming into town on a bicycle. He has hit a few times and the pattern is similar.
Unfortunately, as is usually the case, once we were in the area searching yards, residents came forward to tell us they saw a suspicious man but for whatever reason, decided not to call us.
Please please please, we can’t stress this enough, residents who observe anything even remotely suspicious are urged to call us. If it turns out to be nothing it is OK, help us to keep the town safe.
Feel free to contact Sgt. Adrian Acevedo of the SOPD Community Relations Bureau at 973-763-3000 ext 7802.
