A Fair Lawn man was arrested this week after he allegedly broke into his roommate's secured bedroom, stole his roommate's credit cards and identification, and used them to make fraudulent purchases, police said.

Sean Riffel, 25, is charged with two counts of burglary and single counts of theft of movable property, fraudulent use of a credit card, identity theft and criminal attempt.

Riffel is accused of stealing from his roommate on two separate occasions within a 10-day period.

In the first instance, on Jan. 20, he allegedly made off with his roommate's wallet, driver's license, credit cards and personal checks, police said. Sgt. Richard Schultz said Riffel impersonated his roommate to make fraudulent credit card purchases in town and also wrote out checks to himself that he then cashed.

Police responded to Riffel's Plaza Road residence again on Jan. 29 for another reported theft, Schultz said. This time, Riffel's roommate -- the victim -- reported that someone had entered the apartment while he and Riffel were out and stolen an iPhone and a skateboard, according to police reports.

Detective Timothy O'Shaughnessy developed evidence that tied Riffel to both thefts and an additional attempted break in of a neighbor's house, Schultz said.

In the attempted break-in, Riffel allegedly tried to get in through a Plaza Road neighbor's kitchen window, but was unsuccessful, Detective Lt. Michael Uttel said.

Riffel, who was arrested and charged Monday, remains in Bergen County Jail on $20,000 bond with a 10 percent option.

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