Police in Montclair took a former resident into custody and charged him with burglarizing and attempting to unlawfully enter about 50 residences.
According to police, the investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Saveon Hayles, 29, of Jersey City on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m., police said.
Montclair Police officials said about $400,000 in cash and jewelry were stolen during the burglaries that occurred throughout 2018 and into 2019 with some of the incidents happening while residents were home.
Police say Hayles would kick in doors or use of a tool to gain entry into the Montclair homes. On other occasions, it was a grab-and-go burglary through unlocked doors and windows.
Hayles would allegedly snatch pocketbooks and wallets from the kitchen and dining areas of the home and quickly flee the home, police said.
The suspect would then sell jewelry to pawn stores in Essex and Hudson counties.
Police say they found Hayles outside his Jersey City home on Monday afternoon and began a foot pursuit through the backyards and over fences into surrounding blocks.
Hayles was ultimately captured in the rear yard of a residence with the help of Jersey City Police officers according to Montclair Police.
Police charged Hayles in connection with 18 Burglaries, four attempted burglaries and theft in the 2nd degree. Further charges could be made as the investigation into the burglaries continues.
Officials credited residents -affected by the rash of burglaries- who had surveillance video to assist in identifying Hayles.