Hillsborough Police Suggest Precautions Amid Looting Rumors

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Police are reminding township businesses that they can take precautions to safeguard themselves in response to rumors of looting on social media – even though many or all of which have proven to be false – following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"Although the Hillsborough Township Police Department has not received any credible evidence that local businesses within Hillsborough Township may be targeted, there have been widespread rumors on social media sites and the internet, that businesses in more suburban areas of New Jersey may be targeted in the future," Police Chief Michael McMahon said in a letter to residents.

The rumors which attempt to incite fear by sharing false information are tied to a trend around the country: groups, reportedly including white nationalists, have sought to sow discord, multiple national outlets including NBC News report.

According to the report from NBC News, some fake posts have claimed Antifa is organizing bus rides to take protesters into predominantly white suburbs and loot homes. In several states, local police chiefs have confirmed that despite online posts claiming to report on such planned violence, they knew of no Antifa activity in the area, and no violence ultimately occurred as threatened.

Still, McMahon said local businesses, including those that may be considered high risk, such as a pharmacy due to the "large amounts of narcotics that may be on hand" are encouraged to safeguard their property and businesses.

Precautions can include not leaving large amounts of cash in the register or safe and securing items on display outside of the business that may have been left out overnight in the past.

"We have taken a proactive stance on these rumors and want to make our businesses owners aware of this information so that necessary precautions can be taken if you choose to do so," McMahon said.

Police will be monitoring local businesses throughout the day and night. Anyone with concerns is asked to contact the police department at 908-369-4323.

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