The Blotter: Pre-storm Crime News

This week's police blotter reads like a dispatch from another time — a time before Irene when our police, fire and emergency response personnel weren't working 24/7 to help citizens with downed limbs, flooded basements and damaged homes and cars.

The blotter contains thefts from autos, the theft of an auto, and an attempted robbery during which no one, thankfully, was hurt.

Our thanks to Capt. Paul Conlon of the Maplewood Police Departmet for this week's blotter:

August 23, 2011: Theft from Auto- A Garmin GPS unit was taken from a 2005 Jeep parked on North Tr. The vehicle was unlocked when the theft occurred which was some time during the overnight hours.

August 24, 2011: Theft from Autos- Two vehicles were broken into on Oakland Tr. between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm.  The two cars, a 2007 Infiniti G35 and a 2008 BMW sustained damage to the door locks and personal items like a wallet and cash were taken from the cars.

August 24, 2011: Stolen Auto: A 2009 Infiniti G35 was taken from a residence on Highland Ave between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm.  The car was parked, and locked, in the driveway at the time.

August 25, 2011: Attempt Robbery-  At approximately 9:35 pm a group of 5 young adults, ranging in age from 16 to 18, sitting on the bleachers inside Maplecrest Park were approached by two men who demanded that the victims turn over their money.  One of the actors indicated that he had a weapon in his waste band although nothing was actually shown.  The group of young adults took off running and was able to get away before turning over any property to the actors.  Officers responding to the call located one suspect, Deshawn Campbell, 21, Millburn, on Tuscan Rd near the park and placed him under arrest.  Campbell was charged with Attempted Robbery and transported to the Essex County Jail with bail set at $25,000.

August 26, 2011: Thefts from Autos- Several cars were broken into during the overnight hours in the following locations:  2010 Nissan SUV and a 2009 Infiniti, Meadowbrook Pl; Mercury Milan Garfield Pl.; 2000 Land Rover South Fourth St.  Items taken from each of the vehicles included GPS units, cash, and personal items. All of the thefts occurred between 9:00 pm on August 25 and 6:00 am on August 26, 2011.