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North Plainfield Police Department

Press Release

Chief William Parenti

July 13, 2011

North Plainfield Police Chief William Parenti announced the arrest of a burglar on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 13, 2011.  Chief Parenti stated that due to an increase in residential and motor vehicle burglaries in the west end of the borough, the North Plainfield Police Department implemented “Operation Safeguard”.  The operation compiled a select group or task force of officers in plain clothes from both Patrol and the Criminal Investigative Divisions to saturate the area.  

On Wednesday, July 13, shortly after noon, Officer David Dzibela observed a suspicious person that was walking up and down a driveway in the 10 block of Sycamore Avenue.  Acting in concert with Detective Florek and Detective Kuga, a motor vehicle burglary was quickly located at that residence.  The suspect was stopped and it was positively determined he was in possession of proceeds to the motor vehicle burglary.  He was placed under arrest without incident. 

The subject, James Thomas, 55 years of age, of West Seventh Street in Plainfield was charged with third degree burglary; fourth degree receiving stolen property and disorderly person criminal mischief after screening the investigation with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.  Thomas was remanded to the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 cash or bond bail.  Like most communities, car burglaries are increasing and people need to safeguard their belongings.  The public needs to work with us and remember to keep items out of plain view.  While we are pleased to have made an arrest on the first day, we still have a lot of work to do the chief said.

Note:  We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.