Cedar Grove Police Blotter

The following reports were provided by the Cedar Grove Police Department and do not indicate a conviction.

On Monday, Aug. 22, a Beverly Road resident reported that sometime during the overnight hours, some unknown person(s) entered her parked motor vehicle.  The victim reported that the contents of her glove compartment were strewn about, but nothing appeared to be missing.  *  Residents are advised to lock and alarm their motor vehicles at night and not to leave valuables unattended.

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On Thursday, Aug. 25, a Daniel Drive resident reported a suspicious incident.  The homeowner reported that he had left his house at 3:00 p.m. and upon his return at 4:45 p.m. discovered that his front door was open.  Upon checking the interior of the home, the resident reported that several interior doors that had been closed were open.  There was no forced entry to the home and nothing appeared to be missing or disturbed.  The victim was advised to contact police if he discovers anything missing.

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During the height of Hurricane Irene on Sunday, Aug. 28, police responded to numerous incidents of flooding, downed wires and property damage.  Several roadways, including Pompton Avenue in the center of town, Little Falls Road and Montclair Avenue, were temporarily closed due to flooding at the height of the storm.  Police also received numerous reports from residents reporting flooded basements.  The ensuing high winds resulted in dozens of downed trees and tree limbs which took down power lines and damaged several homes and parked vehicles.  Several roads, including areas of Pompton Avenue, were closed until PSE&G could respond and repair downed power lines. No storm related injuries were reported.

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On Monday, August 29 at 6:13 a.m., police responded to a Beech Street address on a report of suspicious activity.  The resident reported that she had just observed three unknown individuals, two white males and a black male with long dreadlocks, in her driveway.  She further reported that the subjects had since left the area and were last seen traveling south on Pompton Avenue in a black vehicle with a rear spoiler and a loud exhaust.  Arriving officers subsequently discovered that the subjects had apparently attempted a forced entry into the resident’s parked vehicle.  Police conducted an area search for the vehicle and occupants and notified surrounding towns via the State Police Emergency Network (SPEN) but were unable to locate the suspects or vehicle.  Police subsequently received reports from several residents in surrounding areas reporting that their parked cars had been entered, some forcibly, and items were stolen.  A total of eleven vehicles were entered and stolen property included items of jewelry and cash, a portable GPS and a radar detector.  The detective bureau processed several of the vehicles for physical evidence and is conducting a follow-up investigation.  All of the incidents are believed to be related to the described vehicle and occupants.  *  Residents are urged to lock and alarm their vehicles at night and not to leave valuables in unattended vehicles.    

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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.

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All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.