Porch Pirates Strike In Basking Ridge, Package Stolen

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Porch Pirates have hit Basking Ridge and stole a package from a resident's home recently.

On Nov. 27 at about 2:49 p.m., 15 block of Benedict Crescent resident reported someone stole baby clothes which had allegedly been delivered to the home.

The resident got a notification that a package had been delivered on Nov. 26 at about 7:10 p.m. which they had ordered. When they went to get the item the next day on Nov. 27 at about 2:49 p.m. the package was not there, Bernards Township Police said.

The value of the clothes was about $100.

"Residents are strongly urged to retrieve packages as soon as possible once they are delivered," police said.

"With the holiday season approaching, residents should make every attempt to have items being delivered to their residences at a time when they are home so that packages aren’t piling up on the front steps. If possible, decide for a family, friend or neighbor to retrieve the packages or set a delivery date when home," police said. "Packages that sit on the front porch are easy prey for 'porch pirates' who come and snatch them off the front steps and it also lets burglars know that the house is empty and easily burglarized."

Other Bernards Township Police blotter items:

On Nov. 27 at about 8:55 p.m.: Daniel E. Mcclanahan Jr., 28, of Martins Creek, Pennsylvania was arrested for possession of crack cocaine and heroin. Officer Zolnierowski stopped Mcclanahan Jr. in a 2010 blue Ford Fusion with a PA registration on King George Road for a maintenance of lamps issue. Upon speaking with the driver, Mcclanahan Jr., Officer Zolnierowski observed in plain view items consistent with drug usage. A search of Mcclanahan Jr.'s person and vehicle produce crack cocaine and heroin consistent with personal usage.

On Nov. 25 at about 2:34 p.m.: The Stop and Shop located at 445 South Finley Ave. reported an unknown older black man in his mid 50’s with buzzed short black hair, a greying beard, average height and average build wearing a black jacket and black pants walked into the store, utilized a shopping cart, and left without paying for 22 cans of baby formula valued at $274.35. The suspect is unknown at this time.

On Dec. 4 at about 9:45 a.m.: A resident of Hardscrabble Road received a phone call from an individual claiming to be her grandson. The caller stated that he needed money for a friend who was in a car crash in Florida. The resident although having a grandson by the same name the caller was using recognized that the voice did not sound like her grandson.

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