In Nutley: Poodle Bites Resident, Jewelry Theft, Exploded Fireworks, Missing Dog, Cops Locate Stolen iPhone

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Nutley police blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

6/27/15

Fireworks – Conover Ave - Officers responded in reference to remains of exploded fireworks on their front steps. They heard the explosion at approximately 4 am and noticed the shredded red paper all over the steps with a small burn mark on the 3rd step. No other damage was noticed to the property on scene.

Criminal Mischief – Ravine Avenue – The driver’s side mirror of the victim’s vehicle was broken off while the vehicle was parked in the driveway. The victim was advised of their right to file a complaint with the Nutley Court should the actor/s be found. The approximate cost of the damage is unknown at this time.

6/29/15

Dog Bite – Park Avenue – Officers responded on a report of a dog bite. Upon arrival they met with the victim who stated they were taking their recycling out and one of the neighbors was walking a poodle. The victim went to pet the poodle and the dog bit them on their knee. Upon observation of the knee it appeared to be bruised slightly. Medical attention was refused at this time.

Fraud – Headquarters received a report regarding a fraud. The victim stated that they went to see a movie at a Dine-in Theater in West Orange, and at the end of the night used cash and their credit card to pay for their bill. Later, the financial institution contacted them to say that their account was overdrawn. The entire theatre charge of $55 and a charge from Best Buy Express (online Best Buy) for $641 were recorded on the account. The theatre was contacted and they stated they would return the funds to the account. The financial institution cancelled the card and the incident is also being reported with the West Orange Police. No further action.

Theft – Passaic Avenue – The owner of an iphone6 reported their phone stolen from a local convenience store. The stolen iphone6 has been traced by “Find My Iphone” to be in Belleville. Belleville authorities were contacted regarding the theft and Nutley Police entered the phone as stolen in the database. Surveillance video was being reviewed to determine a suspect.

Theft – Emily Avenue – A resident responded to Police Headquarters to inquire if anyone had turned in a lost dog. A 7.5-year-old, miniature male Yorkie was out in their yard when the owner heard a car door and a vehicle race up the street. Upon checking on the noise, the victim realized that their dog was gone. Signs have been posted regarding the missing dog and Dispatch checked the animal log book with negative results. The owner has been checking with local animal shelters with negative results.

Theft – Franklin Avenue – A patron of a local business reported the theft of their wallet. The victim stated to Officers that they left their wallet on the counter of the establishment after having paid for their order. Once seated the victim realized that they didn’t have their wallet and backtracked their steps with no success. Store staff didn’t see anyone take a wallet. The wallet was described as having $76 cash, 2 driver’s licenses, a debit card and a membership card to a chain store. The victim was advised to cancel all cards that were in the wallet. Police spoke generally to customers who were in the store at the time and none reported seeing anything suspicious. After checking garbage cans in in the general vicinity with negative results.

6/30/15

Suspicious Incident – Prospect St. – Dispatch directed officers to the area of Prospect Street on a report of a suspicious person walking door to door. Upon arrival, officers observed the individual on Prospect Streeet and conducted a field interview. The man was just dropping off business cards at homes for a business. He was advised that he could not ring door bells, which would be considered soliciting. No further police action needed at this time.

Theft – Franklin Avenue – Officers responded to the post office on a report of a stolen cell phone. The victim stated that they placed their cell phone down on the counter to retrieve some mail. When returning back to the counter they noticed that their cell phone was no longer there, at which time they contacted police. The application on their ipad called “find my iphone” led police to a location in Bloomfield. Bloomfield police were contacted and responded to the location to meet up with Nutley Officers. The suspect was found at the Bloomfield McDonald’s and interviewed by Officers. They were adamant that they found the phone and were returning it to the Bloomfield Police Department. The victim was not interested in pressing charges for theft, after being advised of their right. The suspect was advised of the severity of the incident and the possibility of them being arrested. The suspect advised the Officers that they were just trying to do the right thing by turning the phone into the Bloomfield police. The victim was again advised of their right to sign a complaint for theft, but was satisfied with the outcome of this incident. No further police action was taken at this time.

Property damage – Washington Avenue – Officers responded to the area regarding property damage. A worker stated that while trimming the grass they must have hit a rock which went through the front passenger side of a van that was stopped near where the work was being completed. Both parties exchanged information and were advised of how to obtain a copy of the report. The cost of the winder could not be determined at the time of the report.

Property damage – Ackerman Street – The homeowner reported damage to their property when a tree limb fell on their shed and caused exterior damage. It appeared the branch came from a tree on the rear neighbor’s property. The victim was advised of how to obtain a copy of the report for their records.

7/1/15

Burglary to Auto – Walnut Street – Upon returning to their parked vehicle the victim noticed a jacket sleeve hanging outside of their car door. Upon closer inspection the victim also noticed that the car was in disarray and the interior light was left on, in addition to the glove box being open. It is not known for sure if the vehicle was locked. Missing from the car was a bag that contained paperwork and a key pad, which was able to be de-activated.

Theft – Vreeland Avenue – Detectives arrived at the home on a report of a theft. The victim stated that jewelry was missing from an upstairs bedroom after having guests in the home. The amount of jewelry taken was in excess of $10,000. The victim was provided with a stolen property sheet to complete for all items. This is an active investigation.