Brazen home burglar sought by police in South Jersey: 'It's a little alarming'

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police in Washington Township are investigating a home burglary and attempted break-ins in the Heritage Valley community after several residents reported a masked intruder entering homes on New Year's Eve.

Homeowners shared Ring video showing a burglar climbing through a rear window and stealing a sewing box filled with sentimental jewelry before returning to take a case of beer. Police say the same suspect is also wanted in two additional attempted burglaries.

"We haven't had any residential home burglaries here in months. It's a little alarming," Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik said.

Chief Gurcsik said surveillance footage captured the suspect wearing gloves, a mask, a hooded sweatshirt and holding a screwdriver. The video also shows the intruder standing on an air-conditioning unit and disconnecting the camera.

Gurcsik said the crimes occurred between 7 and 9 p.m. One of the attempted break-ins targeted the home of Alan Vanartsdalen.

"They cut all the way around here," Vanartsdalen said, describing damage to his window screen. He said the suspect then tried to pry open both his window and door.

"Even in a tight-knit community like this, where we're watching out for each other, you don't have eyes in the backyard on NYE. Nobody's there," Vanartsdalen said.

Residents say they have increased security measures in response to the incidents. Vanartsdalen offered a message for the burglar: "If you want to make a living, do what the rest of us are doing, don't steal. That's my message. Be better than that."

Gurcsik said police have increased patrols in the area and urged residents to remain alert. Anyone with information or video that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police.