Burglar believed to have set house fire


JERRY WOLKOWITZ Firefighters from several companies gather in front of a house on Sullivan Way in East Brunswick, where police believe a burglar started a fire Monday.JERRY WOLKOWITZ Firefighters from several companies gather in front of a house on Sullivan Way in East Brunswick, where police believe a burglar started a fire Monday.

EAST BRUNSWICK — Police are investigating a fire they say was purposely set at a home on Sullivan Way around 11 a.m. Monday.

Police said an unknown person entered the home after breaking into the family’s vehicle, which was parked in the driveway, and using the remote garage door opener to enter the garage. The inside door was opened with a pry bar, according to police reports.

Once inside the home, the suspect entered the master bedroom and stole jewelry, coins and a camcorder. Before leaving, articles of clothing were set on fire, causing extensive damage, particularly in the bedroom.

Investigators are also looking into two car burglaries that occurred in the same neighborhood on Monday. In those cases, the garage remote controls were stolen but entry to the homes was never made. East Brunswick Police Detective Robert Kearstan is investigating.