Mail Truck Burglarized, $1.5M In Cryptocurrency Stolen In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A mail truck was burglarized, a resident reported a theft of $1.5 million in cryptocurrency, a gift card scam, and more was reported in the December Bernards Township police blotter.

During December, Bernards Township Police officers responded to 19 motor vehicle crashes. There were two injuries reported and five motor vehicle summonses issued.

On Dec. 3: Officer Dustin Lopez initiated a motor vehicle stop and arrested Karin Casagrande, 38, of Elizabeth, for an outstanding ACS warrant in relation to a drug possession charge from Ocean County. Casagrande was turned over to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, which took her to the Ocean County Jail.

On Dec. 6: Patrol officers responded to 413 King George Rd. for a report of a USPS mail truck that was burglarized. An unknown actor entered the mail truck and removed a tray of mail that was intended for dozens of residences in the area. The Detective Bureau and US Postal Inspector Service are investigating the incident.

On Dec. 8: A resident of White Tail Lane reported the theft of around $1.5 million in cryptocurrency. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 9: A resident of Fellowship Village reported falling victim to a gift card scam in which they purchased $5,000 worth of various gift cards and provided them to the scammer. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 15: A resident from Overlook Avenue reported an unauthorized use of their debit card number at a Pilot Express Gas Station in Newark. The unknown person purchased $494.92 worth of diesel fuel. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 16: A resident of S Maple Avenue reported losing their wallet at the Market St Mission in Morristown. Shortly after losing it, an unknown person used the victim's ATM card to open a $15 AARP membership. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 16: A resident from Sentinel Drive reported an unknown person tried to deposit $7,505.48 from the victim’s account into another account. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 19: A resident from Woodward Lane reported a package theft taken from their front door. The items taken totaled $235.42. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 28: A resident from Raleigh Court reported their vehicle was keyed while parked on the street in the area of their residence. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Dec. 28: Patrol officers responded along with the Liberty Corner Fire Company, VA Hospital Fire Department and numerous mutual aid Fire Companies from surrounding townships to a residence on Galloping Hill Road for a structure fire. The fire companies were able to extinguish the fire. No injuries resulted from the fire, but the damage was extensive enough to make the residence uninhabitable. The Bernards Township Fire Official is investigating the cause.

On Dec. 30: Patrol officers responded to the area of Mt. Airy Road and I-287 for the report of a three-car crash. Officers on scene determined that a female driver of one of the vehicles sustained serious bodily harm injuries and began to render aid to the victim. The victim was taken to Morristown Medical Center. The driver of one of the other vehicles was taken to Overlook Hospital for minor injuries. The third driver did not report any injuries from the crash. Members of the Somerset County Car Team responded to assist in the investigation of the crash.

"The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to report suspicious activity observed by calling 908-766-1122. Please keep vehicles locked, without the keys in them and valuables out of sight. Please confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds," said police.