Fraud, Shoplifting, Stolen Vehicles Reported In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Fraud, shoplifting and receiving stolen property were reported in Westfield recently.

Westfield Police Blotter – Sept. 27 to Oct. 3:

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On Sept. 28 at 3:17 p.m.: A resident of the 300 block of West Broad Street reported being scammed out of $500. The resident stated they received a phone call from a person from an unknown number who identified themselves as Law Enforcement. The suspect informed the resident of active warrants for the resident. The suspect stated that sending $500 will allow the resident to resolve this incident.

On Sept. 26 at 12 p.m.: The manager of a building located on the 100 block of Quimby Street reported miscellaneous items left in a secured area. Personal items were left in rooms that should be inaccessible to the public. Several rooms were wedged open using items, as well as doors being left ajar by an unknown party.

On Oct. 1 at 7:22 a.m.: Officers responded to a business located in the 200 Block of East North Avenue on a report of shoplifting. Upon their arrival, business representatives advised them that an actor took around $260 worth of merchandise from their store. Furthermore, they were familiar with the actor from previous shoplifting incidents. Officers later located the suspect at the Northside Train Station. The actor, later identified as Louis Padilla, 48, of South Plainfield, admitted to taking items and items were recovered in the actor's backpack. He was then placed under arrest for shoplifting and defiant trespassing. Furthermore, an active warrant out of Cranford Municipal Court for $750 was found. Padilla was then taken to the Westfield Police Department, where he was processed, ROR'd by Cranford Municipal Court and released.

On Oct. 1 at 5:15 p.m.: Officers responded to the 400 block of East North Avenue for a reported motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. An investigation revealed both occupants were juveniles and that the operator was unlicensed. A subsequent inquiry determined the motorcycle had been reported stolen out of Elizabeth. Both 16-year-old juveniles were arrested and charged with receiving stolen property, processed, and later released to their parents.

On Oct. 1 at 5:37 p.m.: Westfield Police Chief Battiloro conducted a motor vehicle stop in the 500 block of East North Avenue after seeing a moped being operated without helmets, on the sidewalk, and without registration. During the investigation, it was determined the moped had been reported stolen out of Elizabeth. Both occupants, who were 16-year-old juveniles, were arrested and charged with receiving stolen property. They were processed and later released to their parents.

On Oct. 2 at 2:46 p.m.: A resident stated he was contacted by someone claiming to be a Capital One representative who advised his credit card had been compromised. The victim provided verification codes, changed his account password at the caller's direction, and surrendered his credit card to an unknown courier who arrived at his residence. The following day, the victim discovered an unauthorized charge of around $5,400 and determined the caller was not affiliated with Capital One.

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