Jake Fichiera broke the back windows of six vehicles parked overnight near the municipal building on July 28, police said.
He rummaged through the items inside and tried breaking into a gun vault bolted into the trunk, they said.
A jacket with police patches was taken in the break-ins, which authorities said caused about $4,000 in damage.
Three bulletproof vests, an entry tool kit and a gear bag were taken after several more police vehicles were broken into Friday night, they said. All were later recovered.
Fichiera was arrested outside his home shortly before 1 p.m. Friday.
He was charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief before being taken to the Union County Jail.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.