Theft By Deception, Criminal Mischief: Princeton Police Blotter

The following is a summary of incidents as reported by Princeton Police:

PRINCETON, NJ - On March 7, patrols responded to a commercial business on Nassau St. on a report of a suspected shoplifting in progress. The caller told police that there were several people in the business concealing merchandise. On arrival, police found two 19-year-old Philadelphia residents who were in possession of stolen merchandise. Both were placed under arrest and taken to police headquarters where they were processed. The duo was charged with shoplifting and later released from custody. All of the stolen items was recovered.

On March 8, a resident told police that over the past month, they had been in contact with individuals purporting to be representatives of the New Jersey State Police and were allegedly investigating a theft of identity and international drug trafficking crimes. The suspect persuaded the resident to send them funds in order to protect them from seizure, due to the "ongoing investigation". The resident provided funds via gold coins they purchased, totaling $169,530.01. The coins were later provided to the suspects. At this time, the identity of the suspects is unknown. The PPD Detective Bureau is investigating.

On March 10, a resident told police that sometime between October 2024 and the date/time of the report, an unknown individual damaged a shed on the property, specifically by breaking a lock. Nothing was reported missing from the shed.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com