Burglar's Initials Lead N. Caldwell Police to Arrest

While some thieves find creative ways to stamp their mark on a crime, one North Caldwell burglar simply left behind his initials instead.

Mark Karcz, 19, of Little Falls, was charged Monday night with burglary, theft and criminal mischief after allegedly breaking into and stealing $360 in cash Saturday night from STS Tire & Auto Center at 251 Grandview Ave.

A pair of tin snips with the initials "MK" that were allegedly used to cut a hole in the metal siding to gain access to the building led police to Karcz, according to Police Capt. Mark Deuer.

The investigation, which was spearheaded by Sgt. William Texas along with officers William Panitch and Connie Schlette, began Sunday at noon when the manager of STS realized a break-in had occurred.

"The manager noticed the place had been burglarized when he saw the cash drawer hanging from the counter," Deuer said. "When the manager walked in further, he saw the hole in the metal wall."

While the auto center's alarm was activated, the alleged entry on Saturday night failed to trigger the system, Deuer said.

According to Deuer, Karcz allegedly used the tin snips to cut a hole in the metal exterior just big enough to fit through the side of the building, causing approximately $2,000 worth of damage, Deuer said. Karcz then allegedly pushed through the sheet rock and insulation to gain interior access where only the cash was taken, Deuer said.

Just last month, a suspect's dropped cell phone led Caldwell police to the arrest of a Belleville man for allegedly breaking into a roofing company on Park Avenue.

This time, North Caldwell investigators were assisted by the personalized tin snips left at the scene of a burglary.

"We began investigating and we talked to several people in the area. One person led us to another person who led us to another person," Deuer said. "Finally, we spoke to one of his friends. We knew this person had a friend with the initials 'MK.' When we questioned this friend, we could tell he knew something."

The friend led police to Karcz, who voluntarily came into police headquarters for questioning Monday night at about 5:30 p.m., Deuer said.

"We called him up and he decided to come in on his own," Deuer said. "It was either we're going to come and get you or you can come in on your own. He chose to come in on his own."

Investigators Texas and Panitch questioned Karcz, who admitted to breaking into STS and stealing the cash on Saturday at about 9:30 p.m., according to Deuer.

Karcz, who has no criminal history, was released on $2,500 bond and is set to appear in court on March 4.

"This was good old-fashion police work that led us to him," Deuer said. "Apparently, he just wanted the money."