Residents Targeted In Unemployment Fraud: Newtown Police Activity

NEWTOWN, PA — Newtown Township Police reported the following recent activity:

June 5

A Newtown Township resident contacted police at approximately 9:45 a.m. to report a fraud. The resident explained that he received an unemployment check from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. However, the resident is not unemployed and the name on the check was slightly off. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry instructed the resident to file a police report.

June 7

Police conducted a traffic stop on Swamp Road in the area of Helen Randle Park at approximately 5:45 a.m. As a result of the stop, a small amount of suspected marijuana was discovered and seized as evidence, and the operator was issued a citation.

At 3:15 p.m., patrol was dispatched to Ralphie’s Bar and Grill for a noise complaint. Upon arrival, police observed a band playing loud music outside. At approximately 4:15 p.m., patrol responded to the same location to address the matter again. Wrightstown Township Administration was notified.

While on routine patrol at approximately 4:10 p.m., an officer observed several young children playing in the Newtown Skate Park with their parents. The Newtown Skate Park has been closed to the public, and the fence was locked in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The officer found the fence damaged and forcibly broken into. The parents denied responsibility for the criminal mischief, and the group left the area without incident.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Bucks County Community College for the report of an underage male with alcohol on his person. Upon arrival, police spoke to the security guard who had found the male swimming in the Neshaminy Creek behind the college. The officer issued the male a citation for underage possession of alcohol, and the male’s parent was contacted to retrieve him.

June 8

At approximately 6:45 a.m., police responded to a Newtown Township residence for the report of a motor vehicle theft. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

June 9

A Wrightstown Township resident responded to headquarters at approximately 10:30 a.m. to report a fraud. The resident explained that he received a letter about a claim for unemployment from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry but the resident did not file a claim. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry instructed the resident to file a police report.

June 10

At approximately 8:45 a.m., a resident of Ridge Avenue reported a theft from their property. The victim had an XL Fusion Lift model AL301X1 removed from in front of their garage. The theft is believed to have occurred sometime within the last week. The total value of loss is $1,603.80, and an investigation is ongoing.

At 11 p.m., patrol was dispatched to the area of Adrian Place for the report of loud music and yelling. Upon arrival, patrol discovered the source of the noise and spoke to the home owner, who apologized and agreed to keep the noise down.