Crime & Safety

Theft By Deception, Theft Of Identity, Criminal Mischief: Princeton Police Blotter

The Princeton Police blotter dated March 24 had the following reports:

The following is a summary of incidents as reported by Princeton Police:

PRINCETON, NJ — On March 18, at 8:16 a.m., a resident reported an incident of attempted identity theft after being contacted by individuals posing as bank representatives and law enforcement officers. The woman was told a fraudulent credit card had been opened in her name and was instructed to provide personal identifying information. During the interaction, the woman displayed her driver’s license over a video call before becoming suspicious of the callers’ requests. No financial loss was reported. The matter remains under investigation

On March 19, 2:23 p.m., officers investigated a reported theft by deception where the victim reported being contacted by an unknown man who impersonated a bank employee and claimed the victim’s account was compromised and under investigation. As a result, the victim was instructed to withdraw and turn over $18,000 in cash to a female in a parking lot located on State Road. The suspect accepted the money and fled the area in a black Mercedes SUV. The incident remains under investigation.

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March 21, 10:38 a.m., officers responded to a residence on Park Place for a report of identity theft. The woman reported discovering an unknown credit card account listed on her credit report, on which she was designated as an authorized user without her knowledge. The account, opened in 2015, carried a balance exceeding $30,000, which caused a significant drop in her credit score. The woman said she did not authorize the account and has suffered no monetary loss. There are no suspects at this time.

On March 23, at10:03 a.m., officers responded to a business on Hulfish Street, for a reported shoplifting incident. According to investigation on March 21 between 5:20 p.m. and 5:25 p.m., two unidentified white women, both approximately 40 years old and dressed in all black, entered the store and removed merchandise valued at $1,440 without paying. The investigation is ongoing pending review of security footage and additional information.

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On March 24, 9:52 a.m., officers responded to a business on North Harrison Street, for a reported shoplifting incident that occurred on March 21. According to investigation, between 12:38 p.m. and 1 p.m., an unidentified Black man, approximately 50 years old, entered the store and selected various food items totaling $507.60, including meat and seafood. The suspect exited the store without paying and fled the area in a gray four-door sedan. The investigation is ongoing.

On March 24, 9:26 a.m., officers responded to a business on Nassau Street for a report of criminal mischief. Investigation revealed that at 9:09 a.m., an unidentified white man, described as being in his mid-40s, wearing a brown jacket and gray pants, became upset when employees were unable to process his package return. The man then left the store and forcefully slammed the door multiple times, causing approximately $100 in damage to the door frame and door closer. The store manager declined to pursue charges at this time.

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