Surge in Auto Burglaries and Thefts Shakes Newark, Leading to Multiple Arrests

In the final week of November, Newark was hit by a wave of thefts and auto burglaries. From November 27 to December 3, 2023, the police recorded multiple incidents, including drug possession and vandalism. According to the Newark Police Department, the blotter revealed more than a dozen auto burglaries, involving stolen vehicles, smashed windows, and stolen items such as tools, batteries, clothing, and even a pair of work shoes.

Officer Herrera and Officer Swadener sprang into action on an early Monday morning on Inverness Drive when they stumbled upon an ongoing auto burglary. While they managed to spot a suspect vehicle, it managed to evade capture as the officers made the decision not to pursue it. Nevertheless, the officers successfully recovered a stolen vehicle and identified additional vehicles that had fallen victim to burglaries. It appeared that the perpetrators had a preference for window-smash auto burglaries, with multiple incidents reported. One such incident was investigated by Officer Jackman on the 36000 block of Bettencourt Street, where the extent of the stolen items remained uncertain.

There were also disturbing incidents involving personal conflicts and drug abuse, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals. One incident involved a married couple, leading to the apprehension of a 48-year-old woman. Additionally, a 60-year-old woman from Fremont was arrested on Cedar Boulevard for possession of illegal drugs and being in a state where she couldn’t take care of herself. Another encounter involved a 37-year-old man from Fremont who was taken into custody for drug possession, as reported by the Newark Police Department.

Officer Swadener took action when he pursued two female suspects after they stole from a business on Newpark Mall Road. Additionally, there was an investigation into a theft at the same location involving an AirPod case and wallet taken from a locked locker. The city experienced various incidents of theft, ranging from stolen packages on residential streets to catalytic converter thefts. These crimes highlighted a concerning increase in criminal activity within the Newark community.

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