2 teens charged in string of Secaucus burglaries, cops say

SECAUCUS -- A pair of teenage boys have been charged with carrying out a series of burglaries and thefts throughout town last month, authorities announced. 

A 14-year-old from Jersey City and 17-year-old from Manalapan were arrested separately following the Jan. 24 crime spree, which saw the two teens steel a car, a motorcycle, two safes, cash, and jewelry, Secaucus police Capt. Dennis Miller said. 

The 14-year-old was arrested at 9:15 p.m. that night after residents of Born and Maple streets reported the burglaries and thefts earlier in the day. The Manalapan resident was arrested five days later, Miller said. 

It's unclear how police apprehended either suspect, however the younger of the two boys was charged with six counts of burglary, five counts of theft, obstructing justice, resisting arrest, two counts of receiving stolen property, and conspiracy.  

The 17-year-old, meanwhile, was charged with seven counts of burglary, six counts of theft, two counts of criminal attempt, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property, and an outstanding warrant from Monmouth County.

Both were processed and turned over to the Union County Juvenile Detention Center, which houses juveniles from Hudson County. 

"We thank the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Sheriff's Office in their assistance leading to these quick apprehensions," Miller said. 

The investigation is ongoing.