FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (PIX11) – New Jersey police are warning of thieves using Wi-Fi jamming devices to cut off surveillance cameras before striking.
A man in the basement of his Florham Park home heard a loud noise coming from the ground floor on Monday, police said. He used his surveillance cameras and saw that a man was trying to break in, but a short time later, his Wi-Fi and cellular service went out, according to authorities.
The suspect ran from the home once he realized someone was there, police said. The man was still unable to call 911 and had to run out onto the street to find help.
Florham Park police, along with the Madison Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, all worked to find the suspect in the neighborhood but were unsuccessful, according to authorities.
Police believe the suspect is part of a South American theft ring that's using Wi-Fi jammers to break into homes. In some cases, the suspects will install their own surveillance cameras in a property's landscaping to know when residents leave their homes.
Police encourage residents to hardwire their security cameras and get a landline in case of emergencies. They're also asking people to inspect their property for any hidden cameras and call police if you see one.
The suspect in the Florham Park break-in was last seen wearing tan or beige pants, a dark shirt and a facemask.
Anyone with any information or video of the incident is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Pietropinto at 973-410-5424.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
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