The search for more information regarding the recent home invasion armed burglary of a home in the Rivercrest Manor section of Toms River continues, according to Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.

The chief has stated that the home invasion, which took place around midnight on Friday Sept. 21, had three men in ski masks force open a locked sliding glass door to a bi-level home on Colonial Drive.

The men — wearing black ski masks, blue and white shirts and brown work gloves — made their way to a bedroom where a husband and wife were asleep, said the police chief. The couple awoke to the armed men, who tied up the residents at gunpoint.

Mastronardy said the men were armed with black automatic handguns. The three men remained in the home with the captive residents for at least 30 minutes, ransacking the home and looking for safes.

 "Detectives Louis Santora and Roger Hull are vigorously following up on all leads about the home invasion robbery. They are in the process of recovering property and working with other agencies attempting to identify those responsible," said the chief. 

Two safes, as well as cash, antique and newer jewelry were taken. The safes are grey, and measure two feet by two feet in size, police said. The men then fled, carrying the safes to at least one vehicle parked on nearby Nanlyn Terrace, and drove off.

Mastronardy said a neighbor called into police after observing something suspicious while at the mailbox, and then entered the home to see the couple tied up. The neighbor freed the husband and wife, who reported no injuries.

The police chief added the home may have been specifically targeted, due to the residents having prior involvement in the jewelry industry.

Mastronardy announced recently that the investigation is ongoing and involves continued police presence in the neighborhood, including officers who have been canvassing the area in an attempt to learn more information about the robbery.

Anyone with information on the burglary can call Toms River Police Detective Louis Santora or Roger Hull at 732-349-0150 ext 1276.

Stephanie Schroepfer contributed to this article.

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