Police: Grenloch Man Stole Cash, Rx, Babe Ruth-Signed Baseball

A subject is in custody on suspicion he burglarized two West Deptford locations last week, reportedly stealing $70,000 in items.

West Deptford Police arrested Matthew C. Brangan, 26, of Grenloch, on Jan. 25 and charged him with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft and possession of burglary tools. Brangan's arrest came after an anonymous tip to West Deptford Police.

The first of two burglaries was reported on Jan. 21 at a business located on the 1200 block of Route 130. According to Chief Craig Mangano, a burglar entered the business sometime over the weekend through an unlocked side door. Items stolen included a collectible baseball signed by Babe Ruth, electronics, housewares and various tools—totaling approximately $60,000.

The following day, another burglary occurred during the day at a residence located on the 1000 block of Milton Avenue. After gaining entry from an unlocked front door, the thief stole jewelry, electronics, cell phones, cash and prescription medications. Items stolen totaled an estimated $10,000.

After the anonymous tip to police, a brief investigation conducted by Investigators Jeff Pallies and John Craig, with the help of Cpl. Michael Pfeiffer and Patrolman Frank Tepi, led to an arrest the same day. Brangan was arrested in a residence on the 1200 block of Crown Point Road. He was charged and held on a separate no-bail civil warrant at Gloucester County Jail.

Brangan previously pleaded guilty to burglary charges in 2008 and was sentenced to five years in prison, according to state records. He was released 16 months later, records show.

The Bambino's signed ball was going, going... recovered—along with most of the property from the burglaries. Police are continuing to collect various items still missing, Mangano said. 

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