Cranford Police Issue Warning About Rise In Burglaries

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford Police Department issued a warning about an increase in burglaries in the area this week, while also releasing a list of recent reports.

The following are among notable cases handled in the last four weeks by the department:

On June 29, at 10:41 a.m., police stopped a 2019 Dodge at Centennial Avenue and Raritan Road for having tinted windows. Following an investigation on the scene, Patrolman O’Neil arrested the driver, Marquis Baker, 29, of West Orange, on charges of possession of suspected cocaine, distribution of suspected cocaine, and resisting arrest. He was processed and provided with a Superior Court appearance date. In addition, Baker was issued motor vehicle summonses for tinted windows and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, police said.

On June 30, police units were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash at Centennial Avenue and Raritan Road. Following an investigation on scene, Patrolman Pasternak arrested a driver, Tracy Rogers, 55, of Rahway, who was charged with driving while intoxicated. In addition, he was issued a motor vehicle summons for careless driving. Rogers was processed and provided with a Municipal Court appearance date.

On July 23, at 1 a.m., police were dispatched to the area of Park Avenue and Orchard Street for a report of a man entering a resident’s backyard. Witnesses gave a description at the scene. Following an investigation, located George Brown, 63, of Elizabeth, whom police said was crouched behind a vehicle on Park Avenue. He was arrested by Patrolman Folinusz and charged with possession of CDS paraphernalia for having a crack pipe. In addition, Brown was charged on multiple contempt warrants including a wanted persons warrant out of the Union County Sheriff’s Office for a previous charge of burglary, police said. Brown was transferred to the custody of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 25 at 6:19 p.m. police were dispatched to a business on the 300 Block of North Avenue for the report of a vehicle blocking traffic in their private driveway. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Folinusz arrested the driver, Sarah Medina, 26, of Linden, and charged her with driving while intoxicated and possession of liquid methadone. Medina was processed and provided with a Municipal Court appearance date, police said. In addition, Medina was issued motor vehicle summonses for careless driving, delaying traffic, unsafe window glaze, and having an unregistered vehicle, police said.

On July 26 at 2:44 p.m., Patrolman Timothy Handy arrested a 22-year-old man from the Bronx and a 20-year-old Elizabeth woman and charged them with theft. Police were dispatched to Pawnee Road for the report of suspicious individuals in a driveway, police said. Upon arrival, they were advised that a theft had just occurred at this location. The pair were processed and provided with a Superior Court appearance date.

Cranford Burglary Warning

The police issued a release on Tuesday stating, "Since June 2021, the Cranford Police Department has taken multiple reports of thefts from private properties. Most commonly, individuals will enter unlocked cars, sheds, or porches to find anything of value. Bicycles in sheds as well as personal belongings in vehicles are commonly targeted. In some cases, vehicles left unlocked with their key fobs inside become an unintended gift to perpetrators.

"The Cranford Police Department suggests that residents remain vigilant with their property and belongings, urging residents to lock vehicles and doors, close overhead garage doors, hide or remove valuables from vehicles and keep exterior residential lighting or motion sensors on overnight.

"As the Cranford Police Department continues to investigate acts of theft occurring in our residential neighborhoods, residents are encouraged to report any thefts or suspicious events involving trespassers. If you have any information that could potentially assist in ongoing investigations, please contact our Detective Bureau at 908-709-7331 or 908-709-7346."

In nearby Westfield, police have stepped up patrols after investigating 16 car thefts this year, many involving unlocked cars. Residents have been reporting suspicious vehicles driving slowly on residential streets and lurking near driveways. READ MORE: One Car, Two Bikes Reported Stolen In Westfield

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