Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin convened a meeting in Newark with law enforcement leaders from across New Jersey to discuss the application of newly enacted laws that increase penalties for residential burglaries. During the meeting, Platkin announced the formation of a Statewide Burglary Task Force. This task force will include law enforcement and prosecutors at various levels to work collaboratively in deterring, investigating, and prosecuting home burglaries.

The roundtable was held at the Department of Law and Public Safety’s office in Newark. The discussion focused on strategies to implement legislation signed by Governor Phil Murphy on October 18, 2024, aimed at combating residential burglaries linked to auto thefts. These crimes often involve suspects entering homes seeking car keys to steal vehicles from driveways and garages.

Participants also explored ways to improve information sharing among agencies about cross-jurisdictional burglary suspects and how to use new tools provided by the bipartisan legislation effectively.

The Statewide Burglary Task Force is expected to play a significant role through intelligence sharing and collaboration among agencies regarding cross-jurisdictional burglary suspects. It will analyze trends and implement policies aimed at reducing these crimes.

“Burglaries and home invasions pose a significant public safety threat,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Through close cooperation with our law enforcement leaders, we will help alleviate residents' concerns.”

J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, emphasized commitment: “This new law offers important tools to more effectively investigate and prevent these alarming crimes.”

Peter Andreyev, President of NJPBA, highlighted collaboration: “Through these efforts, we will best utilize the new tools provided by this new law.”

Chief John Russo expressed confidence in targeting offenders: “We have done it before...and we will see it again as we move forward with this initiative.”

The new statutes define separate crimes of home invasion (1st degree) and residential burglary (2nd degree), both carrying heightened sentences under the "No Early Release Act," requiring at least 85 percent of prison terms be served before parole eligibility.