Masked Burglar Targets Three Homes on New Year’s Eve

Masked Burglar Targets Three Homes on New Year’s Eve

> At a Glance

> – A single suspect burglarized one home and attempted to break into two others between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Dec. 31

> – The crimes occurred in Washington Township’s Herritage Valley section near Freedom Road, Valley Run Drive, and Constitution Road

> – A Ring camera recorded the intruder climbing an AC unit to unplug the device

> – Why it matters: Police are asking residents to review footage and call with tips to identify the masked burglar before he strikes again.

Washington Township Police are hunting for a masked burglar who slipped through the Herritage Valley neighborhood on New Year’s Eve, managing to burglarize one house and try two more in a two-hour window.

How the Crimes Unfolded

Between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., the suspect moved along streets near Freedom Road, Valley Run Drive, and Constitution Road. He wore dark clothing, a balaclava-style face mask, and blue gloves, carrying a screwdriver that police believe was used to pry windows or doors.

A homeowner’s Ring camera captured the intruder climbing onto an air-conditioning unit to disconnect the device, giving investigators a brief glimpse of his tactics.

What Police Want Residents to Do

  • Check doorbell, security, or dash cameras for footage between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
  • Look for anyone matching the description: dark clothing, balaclava, blue gloves, screwdriver
  • Share any suspicious activity, no matter how minor it seems
Contact Information
Lead investigator Detective Joe Russo
Phone 856-589-0330, ext. 1194
Tip line open 24/7

Key Takeaways

gloves
  • One burglary and two attempted burglaries occurred within a two-hour span on New Year’s Eve
  • Video evidence shows the suspect actively disabling security cameras
  • Police believe tips from neighbors with footage are the fastest way to identify him

Anyone who recognizes the masked figure or has additional video is urged to call Detective Russo immediately.

Author

  • I’m Olivia Bennett Harris, a health and science journalist committed to reporting accurate, compassionate, and evidence-based stories that help readers make informed decisions about their well-being.

    Olivia Bennett Harris reports on housing, development, and neighborhood change for News of Philadelphia, uncovering who benefits—and who is displaced—by city policies. A Temple journalism grad, she combines data analysis with on-the-ground reporting to track Philadelphia’s evolving communities.

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