Jeep Stolen, Vandalism, Hotel Evacuated Reported In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Jeep stolen, attempted car burglaries, a car fire, and a hotel evacuation were among the incidents reported in the latest police blotter.

Bernards Township Police Blotter for Oct. 14 through Oct. 20:

During the above timeframe, BTPD officers responded to seven motor vehicle crashes with four
injuries reported. Six motor vehicle summonses were issued to drivers due to the crashes.

On Oct. 15 at around 8:23 a.m.: Officers responded to a home on Lurline Drive for the report of an attempted burglary. The resident reported their surveillance cameras captured two men trying to enter both vehicles in the driveway by pulling on door handles. Both vehicles were locked and no entry was gained by the suspects. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Oct. 15 at around 9:42 a.m.: Officers responded to a home on S. Alward Avenue for a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The victim reported their 2017 black Jeep Laredo was missing. The victim said the vehicle was left unlocked, with the keys on the floorboard. This incident is likely related to the earlier report of suspicious persons on Lurline Drive. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Oct. 16 at around 6:05 p.m.: Officers responded to Walgreens on Allen Road for a motor vehicle fire. Upon arrival, officers observed a 2013 black Doge Journey fully engulfed in flames. The immediate area was evacuated. Liberty Corner Fire Department arrived on scene and successfully extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained from the fire.

On Oct. 19 at around 4:55 p.m.: Officers responded to English Place for the report of vandalism. The victim said her 2011 white BMW was vandalized during the night of Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. The vehicle suffered a smashed brake light and tar smear along the vehicle. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Oct. 19 at around 8:42 a.m.: Officers responded to Darren Drive for a report of a suspicious person. The resident said they saw a middle-aged man wearing dark clothing in the backyard of the residence. The resident told the subject that he would call the police, to which the subject ran from the property. A search of the immediate area by Bernards Township Police Officers and Warren Township police officers did not locate the suspect. As a reminder to all residents, always keep vehicles and home windows and doors locked.

On Oct. 19 at around 12:33 a.m.: Officers responded to the Courtyard Marriott on Martinsville Road for a fire alarm. When officers arrived, they were notified by a guest to smoke on the fourth floor. The hotel was evacuated by hotel staff and police. Liberty Corner Fire Department, along with neighboring fire departments, responded to the scene and were able to vent the smoke and control a possible electrical fire.

"The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to please keep all 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," said police.

Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the police department by calling 908-766-1122.

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