By: Richard L. Smith
Linden Police officials said two Brooklyn men were arrested after an off-duty Linden Police Officer saw them steal a package from the porch of a local home.
According to Police, on Wednesday at approximately 2:10 p.m., an off-duty Linden Police Officer saw two men pick up a package from the porch of a home on the 1700 block of Dill Avenue.
Police say the officer knows the homeowner and did not recognize the men from the area.
The off-duty officer followed the men as they walked from the home with the package and called Linden Central Dispatch for assistance.
The Linden Officer continued to follow the men as they walked from the area in separate directions and watched as one of the men dropped the package in some nearby bushes.
Police say, Mr. Changzhu Lin, 42, was stopped by responding Officers near the intersection of Adams St & E. Elizabeth Ave.
A second suspect, Mr. Tung Wong, 55, was also stopped nearby. A subsequent investigation identified the men as the suspects, and they were arrested without incident.
The undamaged package was recovered and returned to the owner.
Both defendants were charges with third-degree theft under the New Jersey Defense against Porch Pirates Act.
They were released on summonses pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court.
Detectives believe these men may have been involved in similar crimes, including mail theft.
Anyone who believes that they may have been victimized by these men or have additional information is encouraged to contact Det. Nicole Andrews at (908) 474-8662 or via email at nandrews@lpdnj.org.
As a reminder, tips about this incident or any other crime can also be shared anonymously via email to crimetips@lpdnj.org.