Smash-and-Grab Burglaries Target Toms River Deli and Bagel Shop

TOMS RIVER, New Jersey — A swift crime spree has put local business owners on high alert after a masked intruder targeted two commercial properties in Toms River. Police are currently investigating the early morning burglaries, which occurred within close proximity to each other and involved forced entry and theft.

According to the Toms River Police Department, the suspect targeted a popular local deli and a neighboring bagel shop. The perpetrator utilized a classic smash-and-grab tactic, shattering the main front glass windows of the storefronts to gain immediate access to the properties under the cover of darkness. Once inside, the suspect headed straight for the cash registers, removing cash drawers and securing an undisclosed amount of currency before fleeing the premises.

Responding officers arrived at the scene shortly after security alarms were triggered, discovering broken glass scattered across the entryways. Crime scene units have processed both locations for latent fingerprints and physical evidence. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the targeted establishments and neighboring businesses. The suspect is described as a man wearing a mask and dark clothing.

Toms River authorities are requesting that anyone with security cameras in the immediate area review their footage from the night of the incident. Business owners are also being advised to empty cash registers overnight and leave drawer trays open to deter future burglaries. If you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact the Toms River Police Department's detective bureau.