MANCHESTER – Keen-eyed witnesses were instrumental in arresting a man accused of trying to steal the catalytic converter off a church van.
At around 3:30 p.m. on December 14, a pastor from the Whiting Bible Church on Lacey Road noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area. He saw a man get out of a Ford F150 and attempt to remove parts from the church’s van. The pastor approached the suspect, who went into his truck and drove away.
Patrolman Brian Volk was nearby and arrived soon after the pastor called the police. He checked the area for the truck. A resident informed him that they had seen the truck and thought it was suspicious so they took down the license plate. This plate came up as registered to an address in Egg Harbor Township.
Manchester Detectives Adam Guker and Victoria Raub went to the home with Egg Harbor Township detectives. They maintained surveillance until the truck pulled up. A search of the vehicle recovered tools used in the commission of the crime.
Charles Robinson, 35, of Egg Harbor Township was charged with criminal mischief, attempted theft, and possession of burglary tools. He was released on criminal summonses pending a future court date.
Local police warned that there is a market for catalytic converters from vehicles that have large gas tanks like work trucks, recreational vehicles, box trucks and vans. Hybrid vehicles also have been targeted. Thieves will come to lots, yards and clubhouses to scope out vehicles that are unattended for long periods of time to steal these parts.
Anyone with information regarding investigations are encouraged to contact the Manchester Township Police Department at 732-657-6111. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at manchesterpolicenj.com or through private messages on the department’s social media pages.
