Howell Township police arrested a Farmingdale man last week in connection with the theft of $100,000 worth of jewelry from a home in Howell.
The defendant, Cono Colasurdo, 23, was arrested following an investigation into several unrelated burglaries in Freehold Township. Police were searching for Colasurdo since July 1 after an similar incident took place on Palisades Drive in Freehold on June 3.
Colasurdo and a second individual allegedly broke into the Howell home and removed family heirloom jewelry including custom-made, antique Italian pieces. The 49 year-old woman who owned the home chased the two burglars from the property and called the police.
The homeowner's description of the two men led police to a 2006 Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle was later stopped on Halls Mills Road. At the time, the suspect and two juveniles were arrested and taken into police custody.
During a subsequent investigation, police learned that the suspects had sold off some of the jewelry at a pawn shop on Rt. 9 in Howell Township. The police later obtained information that led to Colasurdo and two other juveniles.
Colasurdo has been charged with conspiracy, burglary, theft, possession of burglary tools, hindering his own apprehension and criminal mischief. He was placed in Monmouth County Jail in lieu of $60,500 bail. Charges against the second suspect and the four juveniles are pending.
In these tough economic times, burglaries and other crimes of opportunity are clearly on the rise. Homeowner's should be careful not to keep large amounts of cash in the house and should also consider taking out a safe deposit box for other valuable items. Periodically assessing your home's security systems, door locks and windows is always a good idea. Some neighborhoods have also had success warding off thefts and burglaries by forming neighborhood watch committees.
If you have been arrested for burglary or theft, contact a top New Jersey criminal defense attorney for a free consultation.
