The usually idyllic calm and quiet of the Riverbend luxury townhome community in West New York was broken on Feb. 1 when it was discovered that three apartments had been broken into during the hours that the Super Bowl was being broadcast.
West New York Police Department Director Joseph Pelliccio said last week he could not relay much information because the burglaries are still under investigation. He did, however, acknowledge that the burglaries occured and that initial signs point to it being an “inside job.”
“This is really unusual,” he said. “Nothing of this type really ever happens down there.”
According to Roseland Properties President of Operations Sharon Kurtz, the burglaries were highly unusual for the area. “It’s not a high-crime area,” said Kurtz. “Whenever prospective clients come through and ask about crime, I am always sure to tell them that ‘crime doesn’t have an address.’ ” But Roseland Properties does have stringent security policies with controlled access into all of our buildings.”
Kurtz admitted that it is management’s contention that the burglaries were the possible result of a “disgruntled employee or former employee, someone very familiar with the building and its construction.”
Continued Kurtz, “Whoever did this did not enter through three doors. They gained access through one door, then broke through the walls of the apartments to gain access to the next unit.”
Obviously, the perpetrator was familiar with the construction of the walls.
Another interesting facet of the burglaries was that, according to both police and Roseland Management sources, hardly anything of value was taken. Two apartments were ransacked and one apartment was actually vacant.
“This was done by someone who wanted to make a statement,” said Kurtz. “Obviously, their interest wasn’t to make money.”
Certainly, aside from the breathtaking views and luxury accommodations offered by the Riverbend complex, one of the main attractions is the perceived safety of the area. Relatively isolated from the rest of West New York, Riverbend boasts doormen, and each unit has an elaborate security system.
The break-ins occurred in the Riverbend Towers building, the only building in the complex that is a high rise. The apartments broken into were located, according to sources, on one of the upper floors.
Another incident
Another break-in occurred in the Riverbend Towers building on Feb. 19 in the mini-mart located on the first floor of the building. While the West New Police refused to comment on the incident, Roseland Property President Sharon Kurtz verified that the store was broken into.
“A back access door was opened and things in the store were disheveled. It was a mess.” said Kurtz. Again, nothing of value was taken. Said Kurtz, “The perpetrator once again passed on any valuables. This reinforces our contention that this is someone who is a disgruntled employee or former employee.”
Kurtz also said that Roseland management has contacted all residents to let them know what is going on. Said Kurtz, “We’re always looking for ways to improve. And we’re looking at this as an opportunity to improve already excellent security policies. We want our residents to be as comfortable as possible.”
The investigation is being handled by the West New York Detective Bureau and is ongoing.