The Verona Police Department have arrested Eric White (20 years of age) of Verona on three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one forgery charge.
On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, Detective Sergeant Timothy Banta was investigating a burglary to a motor vehicle that occurred during the overnight hours. The victim reported that someone removed a 55-inch TV that was still in the box from the rear of their vehicle. As part of the investigation D/Sgt Banta was reviewing area home surveillance footage and comparing notes with Cedar Grove Police D/Sgt Edward Conlon, who also was investigating an attempted motor vehicle theft in the area. After reviewing footage, D/Sgt Banta observed an individual walking in the neighborhood several times.
Based on other leads from his investigation, D/Sgt Banta set up surveillance in the area and shortly thereafter observed the same subject from the video, carrying the same TV out of his own home and attempt to get into a taxi that had just arrived. White was then taken into custody by D/Sgt Banta without incident.
The resulting joint investigation revealed that White had entered at least two other vehicles in Verona and several vehicles in Cedar Grove. He was also responsible for an attempted motor vehicle theft in Cedar Grove. After the charges were lodged, White was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility for arraignment.
“First and foremost it was excellent and what I would call old school Police work by D/Sgt Banta. Combining that with utilizing modern day technology, D/Sgt Banta closed these cases within 3 hours of being reported. This investigation also highlighted the tremendous and seamless working relationship Verona has with the Cedar Grove Police,” said Verona Police Chief Christopher Kiernan.
“We encourage all residents to register their home surveillance systems with the Verona Police Department or Cedar Grove Police Department respectively,” Kiernan added. “It has been a great asset to crime prevention and has helped solve many cases. Go to the Verona Police website to register your system. Contact the Cedar Grove Police website to register your system there. Also, please – please – lock your doors.”
