LAKEWOOD — A 24-year-old Lakewood man has been arrested following an investigation into a string of synagogue burglaries, police said.
Naor Chen was charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft after detectives said they identified him as the suspect in overnight break-ins that began in March 2026.
Police said money was taken from donation and charity boxes inside several synagogues. Investigators used surveillance video, patrol efforts, other investigative methods and help from the Regional Operations Intelligence Center to identify Chen.
Detectives executed court-authorized search warrants May 7 at a residence and vehicle tied to the case. Chen was arrested without incident and taken to the Ocean County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
Police said the arrest is expected to help clear several additional burglary cases.
Chief Gregory Meyer credited patrol officers, detectives and law enforcement partners for the arrest, saying the burglaries targeted places of worship and caused concern in the community.
The investigation is ongoing.
The charges are accusations. Chen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
