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Christmas gifts are seen in a file photograph.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK -- Several South Brunswick police officers made sure that burglars wouldn't spoil Christmas for a 5-year-old autistic child.

The officers went out and replaced the presents stolen from the child's home by burglars a week before Christmas, and delivered them to the home he shares with his single mother on Christmas Eve.

"The mom was crying," said Capt. James Ryan, a spokesman for the police department. "Two of the officers delivered the presents at 9:30 this morning, She told them, 'you guys have done too much--you've gone above and beyond.' ''

Ryan said when detectives started investigating the burglary they learned the mother had spent all of her money buying the gifts for her son and was unable to replace them.

That's when the six police officers stepped in and bought the child double the amount that he lost with the help of PBA Local 166.

Ryan said detectives have learned the presents were returned for cash to the Target where they were purchased so the burglars could buy drugs.

"These are the kind of officers that make up the outstanding department we have," said South Brunswick police Chief Raymond Hayducka. "They wanted to make sure this little boy had a Christmas this year and pulled together to make it possible. They represent the best of our department."

Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.