New NJ task force to go after burglars amid surge in home invasions

State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the creation of a new theft task force at a roundtable with law enforcement leaders Thursday.

The announcement came a few weeks later Governor Phil Murphy signs the law Elevating home invasion burglaries to a first-degree crime and residential burglaries to a second-degree crime.

Officials said that home invasions and residential burglaries have increased across the state, and in many cases, suspects entered homes in the middle of the night and stole car keys.

“Burglaries and trespasses pose a significant public safety threat and often result not only in physical harm and theft of property, but also in the theft of the sense of security, well-being and peace to which everyone is entitled. I have my own home,” Platkin said. “Through close collaboration and coordination with law enforcement leaders and through our new Statewide Burglary Task Force, we will be able to help alleviate the concerns of our residents.”

State officials said the task force will work to analyze trends in crimes and make it easier for departments to work together to identify suspects.

Guests at the roundtable included Peter Andreyev, president of the New Jersey Police Benevolent Association, and John Russo, president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

“As officers, it is our duty to keep New Jersey residents safe. The best way to achieve this is through interagency cooperation and information sharing,” said Andreyev. “Thanks to these efforts, we will be able to make optimal use of the new tools provided to law enforcement agencies through this new law.”