Bernardsville Police Department : Thefts And Suspicious Incidents Reported

Press release from the Bernardsville Police Department:

November 30, 2021

In response to recent crimes reported to the police, Chief Kevin Valentine is strongly encouraging residents to be extra vigilant during the Holiday Season. In recent days multiple attempted thefts of vehicles and property from vehicles parked in the Borough and in surrounding towns have been reported. “It appears that many of our residents have continued to display a sense of compliancy and a false sense of security. It is important to remember that crime can occur anywhere and at any time of the day or night”, said the Chief. Police have noticed an increase in incidents reported during daylight hours. Thieves have been reported boldly walking up private driveways in daylight to commit crimes. “Residents can take action to prevent themselves from becoming the victim of a crime by simply locking their vehicles, removing and securing the keys, and removing personal property from the car. The majority of vehicle related thefts in the Borough involve unlocked vehicles” reported Chief Valentine. “Taking other actions such as leaving outside lights on at night, activating vehicle alarm systems, parking your vehicles inside a locked garage, setting alerts on home surveillance systems and securing valuables out of sight can also help.”

“Police are being extra vigilant and we need our residents to do the same”, said the Chief. Police have also increased patrols in residential neighborhoods. The Police Department asks that anyone observing suspicious activity or persons report it immediately. Residents can call Police HQ directly at (908) 766-0037“. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to call us immediately. We need our residents to be our eyes and ears in the community. We will respond to and investigate every report that we receive”, said the Chief.

The following incidents were recently reported to the Police Department.

November 17, 2021 – Suspicious Incident reported to the police.

A resident of Washington Corner Road reported that at approximately 9:30 AM a suspicious male wearing gray sweatpants, gray hoodies and a black jacket was observed walking up the home owner’s driveway towards a parked Range Rover.  The home owner’s dogs started barking and chased the subject who ran to a waiting red or orange Honda on the street in front of the home. The vehicle fled the area towards Hardscrabble road.

November 25, 2021 – Suspicious Incident reported to the police.

A resident of Old Army Road reported to police that at approximately 3:29 AM a ring doorbell captured a white SUV in front of his residence and someone exited the vehicle and ran across the front yard. The resident advised that their vehicles were locked and no loss was reported.  The camera captured the suspect head towards a neighboring residence which was later determined to be the victim of an attempted theft of an unlocked vehicle.

November 25, 2021 – Theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported to the police.

A resident of Burrows Avenue reported to police that overnight between 3:00 PM and 8:00 AM ours on a pursue containing personal documents and credits cards was stolen out of their unlocked vehicle.

November 28, 2021 – Suspicious Incident report to police.

A resident of Highview Avenue reported that at approximately 3:25 AM their ring camera captured a white SUV bearing multiple unknown occupants pull up in front of the residence.  The camera footage caught what was believed to be a male walk up to the owner’s vehicle and attempt to make entry with negative results.  The homeowner reported seeing multiple others run towards the neighbor’s residence.  No report of loss or damage by the owner.

November 30, 2021 – Suspicious Incident reported to the police.

A resident of Old Army Road reported that at approximately 3:45 AM they saw a light on in the driveway. Upon looking outside they observed an unknown person enter their unlocked Audi.  The owner then knocked on the window which led to the subject fleeing the area in an unknown vehicle.  No report of loss or damage by the owner.

November 30, 2021 – Theft reported from an unlocked vehicle.

A resident of Ford Avenue reported that sometime overnight her motor vehicle was entered.   Upon entering their unlocked vehicle on they observed an EZ Pass to be missing.  No other items were reported missing from the vehicle.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Lt. John Remian at jremian@bernardsvillepd.org or by phone at 908-766-0037.

This press release was produced by the Bernardsville Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.