West Deptford Police Bust Alleged Teen Burglars

West Deptford police have charged a pair of local teenagers in a string of burglaries in the Forest Creek and Kingswick apartments.

Acting on a tip, Investigator Jeff Pallies and Ptl. Veronica McGinniss charged West Deptford residents Lacy H. Matczak, 18, and Matthew R. Hillman, 19, in connection with a daytime burglary at in Forest Creek on Monday. 

The victim reported that someone had forced open a first-floor window of a home on Willowwood Court between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

Police said Matczak and Hillman confessed to stealing jewelry, electronics, a coffee maker and prescription medications, collectively valued at more than $500, from the home.

At the station, both suspects also reportedly confessed to committing three motor vehicle thefts in the Kingswick Apartment complex. 

Police said Matczak and Hillman allegedly made off with nearly $700 worth of goods, including a GPS, leather wallet, credit cards, prescription eyeglasses, prescription medication and cash.

On two separate occasions, police also said Matczak stole an Apple iPod touch (valued at $200 apiece) from classmates at West Deptford High School.

Matczak was charged with six counts of theft, four counts of burglary, and four counts of conspiracy to commit theft. Hillman was charged with four counts of theft, four counts of conspiracy to commit theft and four counts of burglary.

In addition to these, police say Matczak and Hillman admitted to committing several other motor vehicle burglaries and thefts within Forest Creek and Kingswick that have not yet been reported.  

"It’s great work by our detective unit," said West Deptford Deputy Chief Samuel DeSimone. "They were able to work on the tip that they received, quickly went out, great investigation."

Anyone whose vehicles were burglarized within the last two weeks should call Pallies at 856-853-4599 x163 or McGinniss at 856-853-4599 x165 to report these incidents, DeSimone said.