Suspect In Waretown Thefts Also Facing Drug Charges

Police have arrested a Waretown man in connection with several burglaries and thefts from the Dogtown section of the township.

The investigation began when residents reported that unknown actor(s) were entering their garages - and in one incident, an unoccupied house - and stealing copper wire, extension cords and copper pipes

Investigators were able to develop a suspect through a local scrap dealing, Detective Sgt. William Sneddon saw the suspect selling wires and extension cords at a local scrap dealer on March 14, police said.

Police stopped the car the suspect was riding in after the sale. The suspect - whose name was not released by police - was taken into custody without incident.

Police also discovered the suspect possessed a hypodermic syringe and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, possession of stolen property, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic syringe, police said.

The suspect was taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River in lieu of $25,000 bail.

So far only two victims have been able to identify and recover some of the stolen property. Police still have several extension cords and wiring that has not been claimed.

"We are asking residents to check their property and contact the Police Department if you find that any wiring or copper went missing in the past month," according to the report. The suspect primarily targeted the Dogtown section of Ocean Township.