Parents charged after teens among 3 arrested for string of car burglaries in Gloucester City, NJ

GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Gloucester City Police have charged several people with stealing from cars, including two juveniles. The teens' parents also face charges.

Surveillance video obtained by Action News shows three suspects approaching vehicles in the Highland Park section of Gloucester City.

You can see one trying to access cars in a driveway across the street just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, leaving the scene when a light goes on. Police say it was these three who were arrested a short time later for breaking into cars and stealing things.

Denise Glassman's son in law's car was hit, left unlocked on Saturday evening.

"He called the police and found out they had got his car along with all the other cars on the street," said Glassman.

She says credit cards were stolen out of it, and his bike was also stolen out of the driveway.

"His kids are upset. My grandchildren are very scared now that somebody is going to come and take their things," said Glassman.

Police say several vehicles were burglarized over the weekend. Three suspects were taken into custody - two juveniles from Camden - 16 and 17-years old - and 19-year-old Wesley Hunter from Cherry Hill.

Hunter had outstanding warrants and was turned over to Camden County Police.

The juveniles were released to their parents, who were also charged with failure to supervise their child.

"If somebody came to my house and said my kids did something wrong I would take responsibility," said Charles Clair. "Absolutely. These parents need to take responsibility."

"They should be," said Glassman. "They shouldn't be out at 1:30 in the morning. They should be home in bed. And their parents are responsible."

The police chief says the charge typically involves an appearance in municipal court and likely a fine. Folks in the neighborhood say they're relieved to hear about the arrests but are still taking precautions.

"Between the dogs and the ring camera - we just watch out for each other," said Teddy Bathurst. "It's a small little neighborhood that we live in. And that's what we do."

Police are also asking residents to check their vehicles for signs of burglary, as detectives have some recovered stolen items they'd like to get back to their owners.