Dog Scares Away Burglars Trying To Break Into Westfield Home: Cops

WESTFIELD, NJ — The latest Westfield Police blotter included attempted home burglaries, stolen catalytic converters, and aggravated assault on a police.

Westfield Police Blotter from Jan. 7 to Jan. 13:

On Jan. 7 at 3:48 a.m.: A resident of the 100 block of Golf Edge Drive contacted Westfield Police stating that he was awoken by the sound of his dog barking, and then observed actors come up to the exterior doors of his home and tried to open them. The doors were locked and no entry was made. The actors were described as young men, wearing dark-colored clothing. The homeowner opened a back door and let his dog outside which scared the suspects away. Officers responded to the scene and checked the perimeter, but the actors fled before police arrival.

On Jan. 7 at 4:03 p.m.: Officers were dispatched in the area of Washington Street on a report of a woman being chased by a man. Officers' investigation led them to the 500 block of Washington Avenue where a 17-year-old juvenile male from Westfield was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct, obstruction of the administration of law, resisting arrest and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Subsequently, Gianna Vella-Dennis, 19, Roselle, was also placed under arrest for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Both parties were taken separately to Westfield Police Headquarters, processed, and released on summonses.

On Jan. 8 at 2:25 a.m.: A resident in the 800 block of Highland Ave. reports someone caused damage to his vehicle by throwing a brick at the windshield and the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the resident's driveway, when someone threw a brick at the vehicle multiple times. As a result of this deliberate act, the vehicle sustained damage to the windshield and the hood. The cost of the damage is unknown at this time.

On Jan. 8 at 3:30 p.m.: A citizen reported a motor vehicle burglary to their vehicle in Westfield Municipal Lot 5, located off of Elmer Street. The citizen reported the handicap placard was removed from the unlocked motor vehicle between the hours of 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. No signs of forced entry or additional items were missing from the motor vehicle.

On Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.: A resident of the 600 block of Boulevard reports that they were the victim of fraudulent withdrawals to their bank account. The resident states that someone made fraudulent withdrawals without their approval or authorization. The resident reports there were numerous separate incidents of fraudulent withdrawals. The resident stated they were alerted of these fraudulent withdrawals from the financial institution that the account is with. The resident has suffered no financial loss at this time.

On Jan. 9 at 1:30 a.m.: Westfield Police Officers responded to the 700 Block of Lawrence Avenue for an attempted residential burglary that occurred overnight. Officers determined someone attempted to gain entry into a front window, removing the screen to the window and attempting to pry open the window. The suspect(s) did not gain entry to the residence and fled on foot.

On Jan. 9 at 10:30 p.m.: A Summit Court resident reported being a victim of a criminal mischief that led to theft from their vehicle. The resident reported an issue with their vehicle and upon mechanical inspection learned that the exhaust system to the vehicle had been damaged and the catalytic converter for the vehicle was stolen. The cost of the damage to replace the catalytic converter is over $2,000.

On Jan. 10 at 9:12 p.m.: Chelsea Smith, 25, Rahway, was arrested pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the 700 block of Central Avenue and East Grove Street with an outstanding Clark Municipal Court warrant. She was released on scene with a new court date.

On Jan. 11 at 4 a.m.: A resident of the 100 block of East Grove Street reported a catalytic converter removed from their vehicle sometime overnight. The resident stated their vehicle was parked in the street directly in front of their house. The cost of a replacement catalytic converter is unknown at this time.

On Jan. 11 at 9:57 p.m.: A resident of the 500 block of Lenox Ave. reported a theft of a catalytic converter from his 2011 Volkswagen. According to the victim, the vehicle was parked on the roadway in the area of Lenox Avenue and Archbold Place during the overnight hours between Jan. 10 and Jan. 11. On the evening of Jan. 11, the victim noticed the catalytic converter was stolen from his vehicle. The converter is valued at around $1,000.

On Jan. 12 at 1:22 p.m.: A resident of 1100 block of Ripley Ave. was the victim of identity theft. Specifically, someone opened a cell phone account in their name without their authorization. The victim advised the cell phone company that they did not authorize the accounts. The victim did not suffer any monetary loss at this time.

On Jan. 13 at 3:50 p.m.: Westfield Police responded to the 200 Block of East North Avenue about a shoplifting incident. Specifically, an unknown man wearing dark-colored clothing and a medical mask entered a business, concealed numerous items in a shopping bag, and then left without paying for said items. The business incurred a loss of $91.43 as a result of the incident.

On Jan. 13 at 9:30 p.m.: A manager of a business located on the 700 block of Central Avenue reported multiple instances of people urinating on the property on various dates. On today's date, Jan. 13, the manager saw and confronted person urinating on the premise. The manager recorded the action with his cell phone, and subsequently contacted law enforcement. The actor departed prior to police arrival, but the suspect vehicle registration was recorded, and complaints are forthcoming.

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