In a significant development in the fight against home invasions and car thefts in Ocean and Monmouth counties, 19-year-old Samir White of Newark has become the first individual to be arrested and charged under enhanced penalty laws introduced by Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

White is accused of participating in a series of thefts targeting luxury vehicles, including BMWs, a Porsche, a Range Rover and Mercedes, as well as jewelry and a firearm.

These crimes, which have terrorized shore communities, were captured in videos where White is allegedly seen in action.

The new legislation, enacted last year, increases the severity of punishment for such offenses. For the most serious charge of home invasion burglary, sentences can now range from 10 to 20 years.

The crime spree attributed to White began on Nov. 14 in Lakewood and extended to Sea Girt, Bay Head, Wall Township and East Orange – with the total value of stolen vehicles amounting to $700,000.

White is currently detained at the Monmouth County Jail. "It's a great message, but talk is cheap. We have to make sure that we follow through as law enforcement to make sure these people not only are they charged but they stay in jail where they belong for doing these heinous crimes," says Chief Sean O'Halloran of the Wall Township Police Department.