Police note spike in thefts MIDDLETOWN - Police are investigating a rash of thefts that took place throughout the township in recent weeks. Dating back to June, numerous burglaries were reported in the Shorecrest development off Route 35. A few days later, similar incidents were reported in the Belford section of town, and at the beginning of this month, residents in other areas of Middletown also reported burglaries to their vehicles. All of the burglaries occurred during overnight hours to unlocked vehicles. Among the items that were stolen were radios, wallets, pocketbooks and money. Police are also investigating a home invasion that occurred between July 1 and 10 while the residents were away from their Polly Way residence. Entry into the home was made by forcing open a locked window. Police are also looking into a motorcycle being stolen from a Shoreland Terrace home on July 8, as well as a boat being stolen in the overnight hours of July 8 and 9 from a Main Street home in the Port Monmouth section of town. "The motorcycle may have just been stolen and chopped up for parts. That I can see," said Middletown Police Detective L. Joseph Capriotti. "But to be able to steal a 12-foot sailboat right off a set of blocks, that's rare." Capriotti urges anybody that may have information on any of the crimes to call (732) 615-2100. "It's safe to say that we have unfortunately had a busy July and we'd all like to find the people that have committed these crimes," Capriotti said. - Dan Newman