JACKSON — While the members of a Jackson family were vacationing outside the United States earlier this month, they learned that almost $80,000 worth of property had been stolen from their home on Meli Boulevard.
Meli Boulevard is in the Crystal Brook residential development off Bennetts Mills Road.
The crime was discovered by a relative of the vacationing residents who arrived at the home to check on the residence while the family was away.
According to Jackson police Lt. Steven Laskiewicz, unknown individuals entered the home by breaking a rear window. Police believe the entry into the house occurred between Dec. 5 and 9.
Police said the home was ransacked. Cabinets and drawers had been opened and rifled through, pieces of furniture had been overturned, and closets were emptied of their contents.
Jewelry, electronic items and other property was stolen from the home. The stolen items included a white 2013 BMW 740 that was parked in the garage. Police said the intruders found the keys to the vehicle and stole it. Police estimated the value of the missing items to be more than $78,000.
Several hours after the vehicle was reported stolen, the Union Township Police Department informed Jackson police that the BMW had been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Union Township, according to Laskiewicz. The driver fled the scene of the accident on foot.
Jackson detectives processed the Meli Boulevard home for evidence and indicated that it may lead them to possible suspects in the burglary.
No information about any suspects has been provided at this time, and police said they do not know how many people were involved in the burglary.
Anyone with information about the crime or the individuals who may have been involved is asked to call the Jackson Police Department at 732-928-1111.