HOWELL – The Lakewood couple responsible for a recent pair of residential burglaries on Larabee Boulevard and Lanes Pond Road were arrested on September 5, according to Howell police.
Branco Torres, 47, and Rebecca Alvarado, 48, were charged with third degree burglary and third degree theft following the August 28 burglaries. They have since been transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institute.
On August 28, Howell police responded to Larabee Boulevard after the homeowner reported a stolen air conditioning unit, jewelry, and laptop valued at $1,500.
On September 4, a homeowner on Lanes Pond Road reported seeing the burglars in his home in real time via a surveillance camera and app on his phone. By the time Howell police arrived at the residence, the suspects had fled the scene. However, police noticed a side-door forced open and costume jewelry stolen.
Police later posted surveillance footage of the suspects to social media. Anonymous tips identified the suspects as Torres and Alvarado, which was corroborated by investigators.
Detectives Robert Ortenzi, David Gilliland and Michael Maccia arrested Torres and Alvarado at their home on Deer Path in Lakewood on September 5. Alvarado was wearing a red wig to disguise her appearance at the time of arrest.
After a search, all of the stolen items were retrieved and returned to the victims.
