Recent Armed Robberies Spur Increased Police Patrols

West Orange police said Wednesday they have increased patrols in the areas near the two recent armed robberies.

Patrols will be added in the Valley area and near Essex Green Shopping Center, Capt. John Dewey said.

The first armed robbery occurred at 9:15 p.m. Monday when a man pulled a gun on a gas station attendant near Essex Green Shopping Center.

The second happened just under two hours later when a West Orange man was robbed a gunpoint by two men while walking home on South Valley Road.

These two incidents increase the number of armed robberies to 10 since January. 

According to New Jersey State Police statistics, in 2012 there was 16 armed robberies reported in West Orange.