Shoplifting, Car On Fire: Police Logs

Car Catches Fire in Reservoir

Livingston Police are investigating a luxury car found in flames in woods off West Hobart Gap Road early Monday morning. No injuries were reported and the driver was not found on the scene, police said.

The fire destroyed the car, a 2003 Audi A4, according to Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold. The Livingston Fire Department responded after a passerby reported seeing flames about 3:15 a.m. about 200 yards into the woods.

The area is part of the East Orange Water Reservoir, near Arrow Drive. The area is accessible by a car path that goes into the woods.

The car was apparently abandoned and police say the fire is suspicious. The Arson Squad from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has joined the investigation with Livingston Police, Dippold said.

No other details were released at this time.

String of Shoplifting Arrests at Mall

Shoplifting seems to be rising with spring temperatures as Livingston Police arrested 14 alleged shoplifters at the Livingston Mall in the first nine days of April, Dippold said.

Stores are constantly targets, with up to five arrests by Livingston Police normal on any given week, according Dippold. But between Saturday, April 2 and Saturday, April 9, police saw that number climb to 14 arrests, a combination of juveniles and adults who are suspected of taking clothing worth anywhere from $20 to close to $1,000 from a variety of stores, including Hollister, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Sears, and Spencer Gifts.

“This is definitely more than normal,” Dippold said.