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Investigators were looking into several thefts from unlocked cars parked in driveways throughout the village during the first week of September when a car was stolen from Crest Road, Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke said.
They quickly zeroed in on 37-year-old Adam Gross of Bloomfield, who records show was already wanted on a host of warrants.
Gross also has a criminal record dating back to 2000 that includes arrests for mostly burglary, check kiting and drug offenses -- as well as probation violations -- in Allendale, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Oakland, Ridgefield Park, Ridgewood and elsewhere.
Village police arrested Gross last Wednesday on five counts each of burglary and theft, the chief said.
A judge ordered him released from the Bergen County Jail, under New Jersey's Bail Reform & Speedy Trial Act, less than 24 hours after another judge had sent him there.
Luthcke, meanwhile, reminded citizens to lock their cars, "even in your own driveway."
"Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle at any time," she added.
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