Crime Beat: Businesses, Homes Burglarized Throughout Essex

It was a tough week for the owner of Beans Urban Outfitters and Smoke House.

The business, located at 12238 Pulaski Highway, was burglarized twice in a six-day span. On Feb. 21, an unknown suspect used a piece of asphalt to break the glass of the front door.

After that, the suspect entered the business and stole 15 Zippo lighters and 50 hand-blown glass pipes.

Then, on Feb. 27, two suspects were caught on an outside video surveillance breaking a glass window and steeling water pipes and glass bongs. The suspects were described as white males, weighing about 150 pounds and wearing bandannas on their faces.

Snow Blower Taken From Garage

Feb. 26: An unknown suspect forced open a garage door and took a snow blower and a power washer from a home on the 10200 block of Bird River Road.

Apartment Burglarized, Vandalized

Feb. 25: Someone forced their way into an apartment on Hadwick Drive and stole a computer, jewelry and a shotgun before pouring bleach onto the carpet. According to police reports, one witness reported seeing two females attempting to kick in the door of the apartment.

One suspect was described as black, 6-foot, weighing 200 pounds with cornrows, wearing a green-hooded sweatshirt and black pants. The other suspect was described as black, 5-foot-10, 175 pounds and wearing a  brown jacket.

Jewelry, Cash Snatched From Home

Feb. 25: Sometime between Feb. 7 and 25, someone entered an apartment on the 1100 block of Eastern Avenue and stole cash, jewelry, a coin counter and glass jar. The suspect also ransacked the apartment. Total loss: $7,550.

Man Robbed at Gunpoint

Feb. 23: An 18-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint on the 900 block of Ashbridge Drive. According to police reports, an unknown suspect approached the victim at about 11:42 p.m., aimed a gun at his head and demanded money.

The victim gave the suspect his wallet, PSP video game console, keys and a cellphone before running toward Middleborough Road. The suspect ran toward Hadwick Drive. Total loss: $225

Kingway Road Home Burglarized

Feb. 21: Someone entered a home on the 700 block of West Kingway Rd. and stole a safe, two rings and $900 in cash. Total loss: $1,665.

Ladder Taken from Business

Feb. 21: An unknown white male suspect was caught on video surveillance entering the business parking lot of G&G Paint and Drywall, located on the 1000 block of Old Eastern Avenue. The suspect then removed an aluminum stepladder.