Thefts during the holiday season
According to Lt. Patrick Irwin of the North Bergen Police, there have been five counts of shoplifting within the initial two weeks of December. Irwin attributed to the rise in thefts to the holiday season.
“It’s that time of the year,” said Irwin.
11-year-old catches alleged burglar
An 11-year-old male noticed a man allegedly enter his apartment on the 1500 block of 85th Street Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 12:54 p.m. Realizing he had been spotted, the man allegedly fled the scene, police say.
According to police, the boy exited the apartment and flagged down police, who arrested Luis Rodriguez, Jr., 18, North Bergen, at 83rd Street and Grand Avenue. He was charged with burglary and theft. Bail was set at $10,000.
Friday morning burglary leads to arrest
A Union City man was arrested on Friday, Dec. 9 at 11:34 a.m. after police responded to a household alarm system at 90th and Kennedy Boulevard, according to Lt. Patrick Irwin.
After entering, police observed the man allegedly proceeding to flee the residence. He then allegedly attempted to walk away from the officers, police say.
Police arrested Francisco De Leon, 53, of Union City. He was discovered to allegedly possess burglary tools, credit cards, and rubber gloves. De Leon was charged with possession of burglary tools and burglary. He was transferred to Hudson County Jail in Kearny, and his bail was set at $50,000. Police said that De Leon has a history of committing burglaries.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.