Toms River Police Make Arrest in Commercial Burglaries

Toms River Police have made an arrest in connection with a string of commercial break-ins over the past five months in the Township, according to Department spokesman Ralph Stocco.

49-year-old John Bailey, a resident of the TP Motel, was taken into custody on September 9, 2015 after a three-month investigation involving video surveillance that Stocco said linked Bailey to several burglaries.

Bailey would monitor local businesses and make calculated decisions on factors such as camera locations, lighting, foot traffic, and the potential for gaining proceeds, then return to commit forced entry into the businesses with the purpose of removing merchandise, according to Stocco. The stolen property was sold in Manhattan, New York.

Bailey was charged with numerous counts of burglary and theft. The complaints include crimes that occurred at Kmart, Yesterday and Todays Antiques, Gold and Gifts, Gemsmith Jewelers, Designs by Gabriel, and Regency Jewelers.

Stocco said additional information linked him to several burglaries to unlocked cars throughout the township.

Bailey was being held in the Ocean County Jail on $100,000 bail.