Police in Montclair NJ are investigating a burglary and looking for a suspect who reportedly stole a watch worth nearly $40,000.
An area resident called police to report the theft of jewelry from their home. Police officers then responded to the scene at Yantacaw Brook Road in Montclair and investigated the incident.
It is believed that the burglar or burglars got away with a number of expensive jewelry items, including an 18k gold Patek Phillippe bracelet with a value of $38,000. The victim told police that he last saw the high-dollar watch sometime around Labor Day in early September.
Although police thoroughly investigated the crime scene, they have not yet revealed if there were signs of forced entry into the home. Police have also not revealed if the residents of the home were present when the jewelry was stolen.
If the suspects are identified and apprehended, they could face a number of theft-related charges, including burglary and theft of movable property. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2, burglary is typically classified as a third degree felony. This means that the suspects may be sentenced to 3–5 years in New Jersey State Prison if they are convicted on burglary charges. Beyond that, the suspects could be looking at an additional 3–5 years in state prison if they are convicted on theft charges.
Montclair police have asked that anyone with information about the reported burglary please get in contact with investigating officers at 973-509-4706.
For more information, view the NJ.com article entitled “Burglars Lift Watch Worth $38K from Montclair Home, Police Say.”