Toms River police recently arrested a Berkeley Township man in connection with the buglary and theft of more than $10,000 from a safe in a Cypress Road home, Police Chief Michael G. Mastronardy said.

William T. Rome III, 32, 5 Northumberland Drive, was arrested on Sept. 22, after Patrolman Adam Koeppen stopped him in his silver Acura at the intersection of Route 37 and Mule Road. Rome had been a suspect in two Toms River burglaries,the chief said.

Rome was charged with burglary, theft and possession of narcotics. The investigation is continuing, Mastronardy said.

His arrest was one of several made this week by Toms River police related to drug activity, the chief said.

"The department believes a spike in residential burglaries is a direct result of an epidemic with regards to abuse of heroin and prescription drugs in our state," Mastronardy said.