Crime & Safety

Suspicious Activity, Camera Catches People In Westfield Backyard: Cops

Theft, fraud and an outstanding warrant arrest were also reported in the latest police blotter.

WESTFIELD, NJ — Suspicious activity including people seen walking on properties in Westfield was reported recently.

Westfield Police Blotter – Dec. 1 to Dec. 7:

On Dec. 2 at 3:30 a.m.: A resident of Fairhill Road reported that overnight an unknown person burglarized their vehicle. Video surveillance was collected and depicted a suspicious silver crossover-style vehicle in the area at around 3:30 a.m., stopped in the roadway near the victim's residence.

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On Dec. 2 at 6:09 p.m.: Macario Wilchez, 21, Elizabeth, was placed under arrest for a no bail wanted persons warrant issued by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office while on North Avenue in Westfield. Wilchez was taken to Westfield Police HQ where he was processed and turned over to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

On Dec. 2 at 9:21 p.m.: Westfield Police Department was alerted to suspicious activity on the 100 block of Barchester Way. Several men were seen walking on properties in the area and peering through windows of a garage. The men were reported to be wearing gray sweat suits and face coverings and fled from the area on foot. Police units canvassed the area and found nothing disturbed and no evidence of any property crime to have occurred at that time.

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On Dec. 3 at 1:03 a.m.: Westfield Police officers saw a red colored sedan stopped in the middle of the 700 block of Belvidere Avenue. Officers approached the vehicle as it was backing in the proadway. The vehicle's occupants appeared to see police, and the vehicle then immediately fled the area at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was last seen driving eastbound on Route 22 at a high rate of speed.

On Dec. 6 at 5:34 a.m.: A resident of the 1000 block of Lawrence Avenue reports a suspicious incident that was captured on their home surveillance equipment. The resident stated that in the early morning hours unknown persons are recorded in the rear of their property. It was later learned that the individuals left in an awaiting motor vehicle. The recording does not capture any criminal activity or criminal attempts as it appears the actors became aware that they were being recorded. Westfield Police officers responded to the area and located the suspects who fled in the awaiting vehicle at a high rate of speed. The recording apparently is related to ongoing motor vehicle burglaries.

On Dec. 6 at 5:08 p.m.: A resident of the 200 block of Orchard Street reports theft of multiple packages off of their front porch by two female suspects. Suspects took packages, returned to a parked vehicle, and subsequently left the area. Victim suffered a loss of around $318 worth of items as a result of the incident.

On Dec. 7 at 11:20 a.m.: A resident of Marion Avenue reports that they were the victim of fraudulent charges to a credit card account. The resident states that unknown actor(s) made fraudulent charges without their approval or authorization. The resident reports there were many separate incidents of fraudulent charges. At this time, it is not known if the resident will suffer a financial loss.

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