The Lakewood Police Department has arrested a 24-year-old Lakewood man following an extensive investigation into a string of burglaries that targeted pushkas located in shuls.

Police announced that the suspect was taken into custody after detectives spent weeks investigating multiple burglaries that began in March at local shuls throughout the area.

According to investigators, the suspect entered shuls during overnight hours and stole money from any pushkas he could find. Detectives identified him through a combination of surveillance footage, investigative techniques, patrol operations, and assistance from the Regional Operations Intelligence Center.

On May 7, detectives executed court-authorized search warrants at a residence and vehicle connected to the investigation. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody without incident, police said.

The suspect was charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft before being transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.

“This arrest was the result of outstanding detective work and coordination between our patrol officers, detectives, and law enforcement partners,” said Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer. “These incidents targeted places of worship and created understandable concern within our community. I’m proud of the work done by our officers to identify the suspect and bring this investigation to a close.”