By: Richard L. Smith
A homeowner in Cranford fought off a suspected burglar who broke into a residence during the early morning hours on Wednesday, authorities said.
According to Cranford police, the attempted burglary occurred just before 4:25 a.m. on Beech Street.
Investigators say one suspect gained entry by damaging a first-floor window while a second individual remained outside acting as a lookout.
The homeowner confronted the intruder inside the residence, leading to a brief physical altercation.
The suspect then fled the scene.
During the investigation, police determined that a white, mid-sized SUV was seen driving through the area immediately before and after the attempted break-in.
Authorities believe the incident may be connected to a recent pattern of similar crimes in surrounding communities.
Police are reminding residents to remove key fobs from their vehicles and ensure homes are properly secured.
“Car thieves enter and exit the township quickly and have shown little regard for safety when fleeing,” Cranford police said in a statement. “There has been a recent influx in these burglaries in neighboring communities.”
Anyone with doorbell camera footage or other surveillance video from the area is asked to contact Detective Michael Dubitsky at 908-709-7358 or submit footage via email to police@cranfordnj.org.
The investigation remains ongoing.