BERKELEY – Berkeley Township Police arrested and charged a Bayville man in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries.
Michael Connet, 36, was identified through surveillance footage and a search warrant executed on his Bell Street home Sept. 30. Multiple items that had been reported stolen out of vehicles were found in his home.
Also arrested was Joseph Collins, 41.
Connet was charged in connection with four burglaries total, three occurring on Sept. 30 at Sloop Creek Drive and one in July in the same neighborhood.
Collins was arrested for an unrelated warrant.
Both men were taken to Ocean County Jail. Berkeley Township Police said more charges are possible.
Connet allegedly burglarized unlocked vehicles and stole laptops, electronics, prescription pills, money, gift cards and other personal items.
Police believe Connet hit the vehicles late at night and escaped on foot.
Berkeley Township Detectives Michael Riccardelli and Joseph Santoro led the investigation. They were assisted by Det. Lt. Peter La Rocca, Det. William Somers, and Det. Michael O’Connor. Also assisting were Sgt. Scott Stoker, Sgt. Jerry Bacon, Ptl. Taylor Butler and Ptl. Robert Kennedy of the Patrol Division. Ocean Gate Police Sgt. Vincent La Rocca and Pine Beach Police Officers Nicole Orbin and Steve Araneo also assisted. Entry was made by Ocean County Regional SWAT Team assisted the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit.
To report any suspicious activity, call the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-1132, ext. 611 or email tips@btpdnj.org. Tips can remain anonymous.
