Three Charged With Thefts From Sandy-damaged Homes

A Whiting resident and two Lakewood residents have been arrested and charged with theft of movable property after Brick Township police said they were seen removing items from Sandy-damaged homes.

Derek Lombarski of Whiting and Joni and Walton Britton were arrested after police said the three were spotted traveling in an orange Chevy in the area of Drum Point Road. The three allegedly were removing metal from damaged homes.

Detectives spotted the vehicle a short time later in the area of Drum Point Road and Baywood Boulevard.

Police and detectives reportedly observed numerous marine batteries and copper piping in the rear of the car, which led to the arrests.

All three suspects have been charged with the theft of copper piping and marine batteries, and for the theft of an air conditioning unit, which was reportedly stolen earlier in the week.

The batteries and copper piping were allegedly taken from Seville Drive that morning police said, and the air conditioning unit was taken from Rialto Drive.

There are pending charges against the three suspects in other jurisdictions, according to police. Lombardi and Joni Britton were released from Township police department on their own recognizance. Walter Britton, however, remained in custody to satisfy outstanding warrants. Lakewood Police Department assisted in the investigation.