11-07-2024 1:33pm

Morris County Enforces New Law to Combat Home Invasion Surge

The recent rise in residential burglaries prompts swift action from law enforcement under strengthened state legislation.

MORRISTOWN, NJ - Morris County law enforcement is responding to a sharp increase in residential home invasions with a commitment to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent under New Jersey’s newly enacted burglary laws. The announcement follows a concerning trend in which thieves, previously focused on stealing vehicles using key fobs left in cars, are now entering occupied homes in search of these fobs and other valuables, escalating risks for residents and perpetrators alike.

Enacted on October 18, 2024, by Governor Phil Murphy, Senate Bill S-3006 was co-sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco, with the support of Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Sheriff James Gannon, who advocated for its provisions. The law establishes two key classifications—residential burglary, a second-degree crime involving unlawful entry to commit an offense, and home invasion burglary, a first-degree crime applied when offenders are armed or cause bodily harm during an intrusion.

The new law subjects offenders to the No Early Release Act, which mandates that convicted individuals serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before parole eligibility. Additionally, a presumption of incarceration means that judges are more likely to order pre-trial detention. Juvenile offenders carrying firearms during a home invasion or residential burglary may be tried as adults in the Law Division of the Superior Court instead of the Family Part.

“My Office has heard from members of the public and from our municipal police chiefs that this trend has eroded residents’ sense of security in their homes. These enhanced penalties not only punish the offenders of these heinous crimes but also serve to deter the recruitment of juveniles into criminal organizations by career criminals, which has become a serious problem. We do not want our teenagers to be drawn into criminal networks. By classifying these crimes as first and second-degree, my fellow prosecutors and I now have enhanced statutory authority to detain subjects in appropriate cases, and if convicted, provide for incarceration for meaningful terms and parole ineligibility. We will not hesitate to utilize these stricter statutes to keep defendants in custody during the pendency of their cases, and aggressively use the law when appropriate to hold those who violate the sanctity of our residents’ homes accountable,” said Prosecutor Carroll.

Sheriff Gannon said, “We know the impact of burglary on the crime victim is second only to sexual assault in regards to its lasting effects. Their home is no longer a safe place. Privacy is violated. The devastation is so immense, victims often move out and move away. It is our responsibility as law enforcement professionals to diligently protect our citizens, investigate the crimes, and capture the offenders. We do that well, in my opinion. I applaud our legislators, particularly Senator Anthony Bucco, for coming together and enhancing the penalties associated with the crime of residential burglary. It is a great first step in the process of making positive change for the benefit of the crime victim. Now that this is law, I believe we will see a measurable difference in the safety of our communities. This will keep the criminal off the street and out of your house!”

Law enforcement leaders stress that these measures are essential in addressing the heightened danger posed by recent break-ins. Authorities have found some intruders to be carrying firearms and other deadly weapons, underscoring the potential threat to homeowners.