Sleeping Resident Awoken By Noises, Finds Burglars Inside Home: Bernards Township Police

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A sleeping Basking Ridge resident said they were awoken by noises and found burglars inside their home last week, according to the Bernards Township Police blotter.

On Dec. 7 at around 1:48 a.m., officers were called to a home on Ramapo Drive for the report of a residential burglary.

The resident told officers that they were awoken by noises coming from the first floor of the home. The resident went downstairs and saw two men in the study, said police.

The men ran away once seen by the homeowner.

Police reported that the two men, both described as wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves, got inside the home by using a crowbar to open a garage and study window.

A purse was stolen from the home, which contained the key fob to a BMW in the driveway. The BMW was not taken, said police.

Bernards Township Police Department(BTPD) is reminding residents to place valuable items and key fobs in inconspicuous areas due to the increase in home invasion thefts targeting vehicle keys.

This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

See other incidents reported in the police blotter from Dec. 4 to 10:

During the above timeframe, BTPD officers responded to three motor vehicles crashes with no injuries reported. No motor vehicle summonses were issued.

On Dec. 4: Officers responded to Greens Natural Foods on Mountainview Boulevard for the report
of a theft. The manager was alerted to two counterfeit bills that were used on Nov. 30. Utilizing
store surveillance, two suspects were identified during the timeframe the counterfeit bills were used. The suspects are described as two black men, both wearing black jackets, medical masks, and one wearing a blue beanie-style hat. Both were able to successfully purchase items with the counterfeit bills before departing. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 5: Officers responded to a residence Dexter Drive for the report of a burglary. The residence in question had been unoccupied for a long period of time. Once a family member of the resident returned to the home, they observed multiple silver and gold items taken from the residence. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 7: A resident responded to police headquarters to report credit card fraud. The resident received notification of a $533.11 purchase made with their Bank of America card at an unknown Best Buy. The purchase was for a PlayStation 5 gaming console and video game bundle. The victim also advised receiving continuous emails for subscription services confirmations being started with his credit card. The victim contacted his bank to advise of the fraudulent charges and will be continuing to monitor his finances. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 7 at around 7:19 p.m.: Officers responded to a residence on Baldwin Court for the report of criminal mischief. The resident advised that their outdoor decorative Christmas lights were cut, deeming them inoperable. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 8 at around 9:03 p.m.: Officers responded to a residence on Vanderveer Drive for a reported residential burglary. The victims advised officers they returned home and observed their interior garage door open, along with open doors to a vehicle in the garage. The victims entered their home and observed the residence ransacked, then proceeded to contact 911. Officers were able to determine the suspect(s) entered by breaking a rear glass door that led into the kitchen of the residence. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 8 at around 10:54 p.m.: Officers responded to another residence on Vanderveer Drive for a reported residential burglary. The victim advised officers they returned home and observed the residence burglarized. It appears the suspect(s) entered the residence via an unlocked window in the kitchen. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 9: BTPD officers and Atlantic EMS responded to a resident on Whitenack Road for an unresponsive person without a pulse. Upon arrival, officers began CPR on the patient. Utilizing proper CPR skills and an AED, officers and EMS were able to regain a pulse on the patient. The patient was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

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.

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