MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Police are investigating a rash of attempted break-ins that occurred earlier this week in a section of Florham Park.
All three incidents took place in the early hours of Tuesday, culminating in a high-speed car chase that spanned from Columbia Turnpike to Routes 24 and 78, according to police.
The car involved in the chase was reported stolen, and no suspects have been arrested.
Police reported that shortly after 4 a.m., two homes in the Briarwood Road area of the borough were targeted in attempted burglaries. Meanwhile, a third resident had someone attempt to enter her vehicle while she was sitting inside it in her driveway.
In two of the incidents, the suspects fled the scene after being spotted by the residents. In the third incident, the suspects were unable to enter the home and departed on their own.
Police said they do not currently believe that the crimes are connected.
At the time of the attempted burglaries, police were actively patrolling the streets and neighborhoods bordering Madison and Chatham after learning of a stolen vehicle spotted in a nearby town.
Reports soon came in from the Spring Valley area describing the same suspect vehicle fleeing from an attempted home burglary, during which a resident pursued the suspects on foot until they escaped in their car, police said.
A responding officer later spotted the vehicle turning onto Columbia Turnpike westbound from Ridgedale Avenue, where it accelerated and was seen fleeing by various agencies on both Routes 24 and 78 East, ultimately evading capture.
“The vehicle used here was reported stolen from another town not too far from here several hours earlier, was known to have had a loaded handgun inside, and was observed in other towns in our general area shortly before our crimes,” Florham Park Police said.
Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles to the local police department.
They are also urged to take precautions to reduce the risk of becoming victims. Recommended measures include locking all doors and windows, informing neighbors if you will be away for an extended period, and securing valuables.
“The secured homes during last night’s incidents were not entered…Following these preventative measures are not foolproof, but they are a time deterrent that places the suspects in jeopardy of being witnessed or caught in the act by homeowners or responding police,” Police Chief Joseph Orlando said.
Police also reminded residents that home security assessments are available upon request by calling 973-410-5440.
