A Hoboken man was charged for stealing two idling cars last month after getting caught breaking into a car yesterday evening, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Angel Sanabria, Jr., 19, of Hoboken, has been charged with two counts of burglary and theft, according to Police Det. Sgt. Jonathan Mecka.
Shortly after 10:50 p.m. yesterday, Emergency Services Officer Francis McCourt observed a group of males who appeared to be watching someone within the parking lot of 321 Harrison St.
As McCourt approached the group, they noticed him and began to walk away. At that time, he turned his attention to the parking lot where he observed a male rummaging through a vehicle.
McCourt advised dispatch what he was observing and requested back-up prior to approaching the man in question. At that time, he approached the man who he immediately identified as Sanabria.
McCourt was aware the Sanabria was potentially wanted on an outstanding warrant for a burglary and theft of a motor vehicle which occurred on January 23rd.
At this point, back up units arrived and during the on-scene investigation officers were advised that the vehicle was in was just reported stolen by its owner. Sanabria was then arrested for being inside the vehicle and taking possession of the owner’s possessions.
The vehicle was left idling in the area of 4th and Jefferson Streets prior to being stolen. Additionally, the open warrant for the January 23rd incident was also confirmed on-scene.
The active warrant stemmed from an investigation by Det. Michael Losurdo.
At the conclusion of that case, Losurdo developed probable cause to charge Sanabria with burglary and theft of a motor vehicle which was left running on Washington Street between 1st and 2nd Streets.
In both cases, the vehicles were left idling, a traffic violation, prior to being stolen. These types of crimes tend to rise during the winter months since car burglars could identify idling vehicles by the smokey exhaust, referred to as “puffing,” Mecka explained.
