Three juveniles were charged after allegedly burglarizing a residence and attempting to steal a vehicle in the area of Pine Glen Drive in Sicklerville, according to the Gloucester Township Police Department.
Police were dispatched to the residence at approximately 7:58 p.m. on May 8, police said. An alert neighbor had observed three males wearing ski masks entering a residence, contacted police and continued providing real-time information to responding officers.
The suspects allegedly exited the residence carrying numerous items and proceeded to a vehicle in an attempt to steal it and flee the area, according to police. The suspects entered the vehicle but were unsuccessful in starting it, causing them to flee on foot. Responding officers followed and eventually took all three into custody.
The suspects were identified as juveniles: two 14-year-old males and one 13-year-old male. They were charged with burglary of a residence, burglary of a vehicle and criminal attempt. They were transported to the township police headquarters, charged on juvenile complaints and remanded to a juvenile detention center, police said.
Police Chief Anthony Minosse cited the alert citizen who communicated with police.
“We thank our residents who trusted their instincts and quickly spoke up, along with their dedication to public safety,” he said.
The department noted they will hold parents accountable when juveniles are unsupervised and engaged in criminal behavior. The police department urges residents to remain alert to unusual or suspicious behavior; lock their vehicles; remove key fobs and valuables from vehicles; and immediately report suspicious activity to police.
