Smash-and-Grab Burglar Strikes Glen Rock Chinese Restaurant

An unknown crook bashed in the front door at , emptied the cash register and disappeared into the night, according to .

Glen Rock Sgt. Christopher McInerney discovered the shattered glass door at the Chinese takeout restaurant next to Food Basics on Lincoln Avenue while making routine patrol rounds just before 3 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to Cpt. Jonathan Miller, the individual took about $100 from the register. There is no video surveillance of the smash-and-grab nor any witnesses that could provide a description of a suspect, Miller said.

The Bergen County Sheriff's Office processed the scene for fingerprints but came up empty.

"This is the first [smash-and-grab burglary] we've been hit with in a while," Miller said.

The captain said he was not aware of any connections between this incident and a smash-and-grab burglar that county officials say may be responsible for up to 150 similar burglaries in the area since 2009.

The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office set up a task force to catch the prolific burglar, whom police say does not deviate from the highly successful method — he smashes the front door, grabs the money and then disappears.

He typically targets local takeout restaurants, nail salons, and other small businesses, . The suspect usually takes summers off, said Fair Lawn Detective Lt. Michael Utell.

If it's him, recent burglaries might signal the unofficial end of summer. 

Saddle Brook police reported two smash-and-grabs at Asian restaurants last week, according to department officials there.

Glen Rock detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and have been in touch with detectives in other towns with similar reports, Miller said.

Those with any information are urged to contact borough detectives at 201-670-3947 or 3948.

Fair Lawn-Saddle Brook Editor Zak Koeske contributed reporting.