Cedar Grove Police Blotter

The following reports were prepared by the Cedar Grove Police Department, and do not necessarily indicate convictions.

On Monday, Jan. 16, police responded to a Woodstone Drive address on a report of burglary.  An investigation revealed that unknown person(s) had entered the residence sometime between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.  Upon entry, actor(s) ransacked several rooms inside the home and removed an as yet undetermined amount of jewelry.  Officers conducted a canvass of the area with negative results and detectives processed the scene and are conducting a follow-up investigation. Residents are urged to secure and doors and windows and activate home security systems before leaving their homes.  All suspicious activity should be reported to the police immediately at 973-239-4100 or 9-1-1.  

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On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 3:54 a.m., police responded to an Eileen Drive residence on a 9-1-1 report that unknown persons were ringing the front doorbell.  Responding officers located the involved parties leaving the area in a vehicle and executed a motor vehicle stop.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 47 year-old vehicle operator, Jose M. Claudio Jr. of West Milford, after he was found to be wanted on outstanding warrants issued by the Union County Sheriff’s Department, in addition to operating the vehicle with suspended NJ driving privileges.  The defendant was processed on the charges at police headquarters and turned over to Union County on their warrant.  The defendant informed police that he was lost and had rung the resident’s doorbell seeking directions.  Ptl. Robert McDermott was the investigating officer.

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On Friday, Jan. 20, police investigated a report of criminal mischief to a motor vehicle.  The victim reported that sometime during the overnight hours, some unknown person(s) slashed a rear tire on her 2003 Honda while it was parked in a Rose Terrace driveway.  The cost to repair the tire was estimated at $100.00.

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On Friday, Jan. 20 at 10:29 a.m., police responded to Carlson Drive on a report of suspicious activity.  The caller reported that he had just observed two persons banging on the side door of a neighbor’s residence.  He next observed the pair walk into the rear yard, at which time he lost sight of the pair.  Responding officers conducted an area search for the pair, described as a younger white male and a younger black male, both wearing hooded sweatshirts, but were unable to locate them.  The residence and surrounding homes were checked and all were secure.  The homeowner subsequently returned home and stated that nothing appeared to be missing from his property.

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On Friday, Jan. 20 at 6:12 p.m., police responded to the area of Fairview Avenue & Myrtle Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer.  A subsequent investigation revealed that the involved vehicle, a 2007 Saturn, had been traveling north on Fairview when a deer ran into the roadway, resulting in a collision.  The vehicle sustained reportable damage and the deer ran from the scene following the crash. Due to the large deer population in the area, motorists are advised to use caution when operating near wooded areas, especially between dusk and dawn.       

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On Saturday, Jan. 21, two Devonshire Road residents reported receiving similar suspicious phone calls.  In both instances, a male caller informed residents they had won a five million dollar prize.  The residents were directed to go to the CVS Pharmacy at 387 Pompton Avenue and purchase a $200.00 gift card, and afterwards someone would come to their home, take the card and present them with a check for the prize money.  After receiving the complaints, police established surveillance on the area with negative results.  The residents were advised to contact police should they have any further contact with the unknown caller.  Residents are advised to be wary of unsolicited notifications informing them that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery.  Many offers of this nature are fraudulent in nature and are designed to defraud the participants.  Do not provide personal information or send money, legitimate organizations will never ask for money for insurance or taxes.  If you are unsure of the legitimacy of such a call, please contact the police department for assistance.              

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The Cedar Grove Police Department requests that the public report all suspicious activity observed, as it occurs.  The police department telephone number is 973-239-4100 and in case of emergency 9-1-1.  All reports are investigated and all assistance is appreciated.