Car Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief Reported In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Burglary to a car, fraud, theft, criminal mischief were among the items reported in the Bernards Township Police blotter for January.

During the month of January, Bernards Township Police Department(BTPD) officers responded to 43 motor vehicle crashes. There were four injuries reported, and 11 motor vehicle summonses were issued.

• On Jan. 1 at around 9:40 p.m., Bernards patrol was notified of an attempted motor vehicle theft and home burglary in the area of Charlotte Hill Drive in Bernardsville. Bernards officers found a vehicle abandoned in the woods in the area of Whitenack Road near the Bernardsville border. Bernards patrol officers canvassed the area and found three juveniles in the surrounding wooded area all matching the description of the actors just involved in the home burglary in Bernardsville. All three juveniles were taken into police custody. This incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 3, patrol responded to the area of Fieldstone Drive on a report of theft. Once on scene patrol spoke with the reporting party who stated they believe a check was stolen out of their mailbox. Video footage from the area shows a black SUV with silver trim and tinted windows stops in front of the caller's mailbox. Once the SUV opens its front window and an unidentified actor is seen opening the mailbox and removing the check. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact BTPD. This incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 6, patrol responded to the area of Grist Mill Drive on a report of criminal mischief. Patrol spoke with the caller who stated that their vehicle had been vandalized. The vehicle in question had an unknown orange and tan substance thrown across the hood and windshield in addition to two of the vehicle's tires being punctured. Video footage from this incident was obtained and this incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 8, School Resource Detectives responded to Ridge High School for an incident of reported criminal mischief. Detectives were notified of red spray paint graffiti on an exterior wall of the school. Detectives with the help of school staff were able to obtain video footage from the incident. This incident is currently being investigated by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 9, patrol responded to Stop & Shop located inside of the Lyons Mall for a reported burglary to a motor vehicle. Once on scene, the caller stated that they went inside of the Stop and Shop and left their vehicle unlocked in the parking lot. When the caller returned, they found their personal belongings scattered on the floor of their vehicle. The caller informed police that their prescription narcotic medication was stolen from their vehicle. This incident is currently being investigated by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 17, Cpl Zolnierowski was patrolling Interstate 78 eastbound when he saw a black Chevy with an equipment violation. Zolnierowski conducted a motor vehicle stop and was met with the registered owner and driver Tyzhonnay Jackson, 27, out of Elizabeth. After a brief investigation it was discovered that Tyzhonnay's lincense was suspended, and she had an active warrant for her arrest out of Phillipsburg. Tyzhonnay was placed under arrest on scene and Phillipsburg Municipal Court was contacted. Tyzhonnay was issued citations and has an upcoming court date with Phillipsburg Municipality. Tyzhonnay was then released from Bernards Township Police custody.
• On Jan. 23, a person walked into police headquarters to report fraud. The reporting party stated that when they checked their Experian credit score, they noticed it had dropped significantly. The reporting party stated that after reporting it to Experian they provided the reporting party with the fraudulent name and address the account was opened under. The caller was provided a fraud questionnaire packet for further details and this incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 28, a Monarch Circle resident reported her Amazon package was taken from her front porch. She stated that she got a notification that the package was delivered and when they arrived home to retrieve it, the package was gone. They said they have no video cameras on their property and did not see any in the area. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact BTPD. This incident is currently being investigated by the detective bureau.
• On Jan. 30, a resident in the area of West Oak Street reported property damage. When officers arrived, they met with the caller who stated a previous water main break had damaged his property. Patrol officers were able to provide the caller with NJ American Water’s customer service information for them to proceed forward with possible repairs to their property.
• On Jan. 31, patrol responded to the area of Stonehouse Rd for an illegal, dumping complaint. Once patrol arrived, the caller showed the responding officers several contractor garbage bags filled with construction debris. Officers contacted the Bernards DPW and had the trash removed.

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.