Local men are suspects
in numerous burglaries
Police considering
charges in dozens of break-ins

John Golka

BY JOLENE HART

Staff Writer

Police say the arrests of two local men may bring closure to a string of residential and commercial burglaries that have plagued Middlesex County in recent weeks.

John Golka, 30, last known to reside on Hope Drive in Sayreville, and Michael Crawford, 38, who last resided on Maple Street in South River, are suspects in as many as 80 crimes reported since late September, according to Sayreville police.

Michael Crawford

While Sayreville police are considering the two as suspects in a great number of burglaries in that borough, the pair have been "directly linked to numerous burglaries in East Brunswick, South Brunswick,

South River, Spotswood, Old Bridge and South Amboy," police said in a press release.

The two suspects had been homeless prior to their arrests, and living in motels in Edison and Woodbridge, according to police.

Golka and Crawford and two companions were arrested by Sayreville police Friday, following an investigation in conjunction with the East Brunswick, South River, South Amboy and South Brunswick police departments. Edison and Woodbridge police also aided in Friday’s arrest.

"South Brunswick police credit both Sayreville and East Brunswick investigators for identifying the crucial links that led to the arrest of these suspects," South Brunswick police spokesman Detective Jim Ryan said Wednesday.

The pair have been charged with three burglaries in that town.

According to Ryan, the suspects allegedly burglarized the ETD Discount Tire Store on Route 1 on Oct. 10 and the Sand and Hill Corp. on Route 130 on Oct. 21.

Ryan also said that the suspects were charged with a burglary to a Georges Road residence on Oct.. 20 that resulted in a stolen handgun and jewelry.

"They were familiar with the area," Ryan said.

According to Ryan, the pair stayed at a motel on Route 1 in South Brunswick for an unknown period of time during the last six weeks.

The two men were charged with one count of burglary and theft, according to Sayreville police. Also arrested at the time were Edward Arose, 52, of East Brunswick, charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, and Lori Ryan, 27, who last resided on Levinson Avenue, South River, who was charged on two outstanding warrants.

Since the end of September, some 23 burglaries reported in Sayreville have remained unsolved.

According to Sayreville police, the residential burglaries that occurred throughout the borough saw the suspects gain entry through open windows and unlocked doors. Jewelry and cash were the items most commonly taken.

Several local taverns experienced burglaries in recent weeks, with entry forcibly gained and audio equipment, cash and alcohol taken. The most recent of these incidents of burglary and theft was at the Step Inn Ballroom on MacArthur Avenue.

Small convenience stores and delis in the borough were also burglarized when windows were smashed with a rock or concrete block, and cash registers, cash, lottery tickets and food were taken.

Police reported that a small amount of the burglary proceeds was recovered, and their potential owners will review the property in the near future.

"The other towns involved are looking into charges on these guys, and that information is still pending," said Detective Ken Kelly of the Sayreville police. Additional charges from Sayreville are also pending, police said.

Golka and Crawford are currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center, North Brunswick, on $50,000 bail.