Tax Fraud, Thefts From Unlocked Vehicles: Westfield Police Blotter

WESTFIELD, NJ — Recent crimes in Westfield include several burglaries to vehicles, a reported Internal Revenue Service scam, and residents who said unknown people were trying to get into their homes or garages, per police.

Town police released information about various calls for service from Oct. 8 through Oct. 14, 2023, noting that several people who reported vehicle thefts or break-ins had left the car unlocked or the key fob inside. Here are some of the notable items, and the police summary of the incident:

Oct. 9 at 3:45 a.m., 1000 block of Summit

"A resident 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 attempting to burglarize their residence. The actors attempted to gain access through a rear door after entering a screened porch area. However, the rear door to the residence was locked and no entry was gained. During this attempted entry no damage occurred. There were no items taken from the residence, nor was there any entry to vehicles in the driveway."

Oct. 9 at 3:58 a.m., 200 block of Massachusetts St.

"Residents...report they were awakened by the sound of their home burglary alarm sounding. Responding officers observed the rear window to the residence to have pry marks and a damaged window screen was located on the deck. The rear sliding door was also found to be slightly adjar. Entry was not gained into the residence and the actor(s) departed prior to police arrival. No items were taken from the residence."

Oct. 10 at 3:57 a.m., 400 block of Beechwood Pl.

"Residents... reported while sleeping, their alarm was activated indicating 'garage door.' The homeowner observed on home surveillance footage three males, all wearing hooded sweatshirts, face coverings, and gloves open the garage door and then attempt to enter into the residence via an interior door. The actors were able to enter into the garage after accessing a garage door opener that was located inside an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway."

Oct. 11 at 1:06 a.m., Wychview Dr. & E. Broad St.

"A resident on Wychview Drive reported a male dressed in all black wander up her front steps and walk on her porch towards her bay windows. Due to walking out of camera view, it is unknown if the male attempted to peer into the windows or tried to enter the residence. The actor departed from the scene prior to police arrival."

Oct. 12 at 9:08 a.m., 1000 block of Lawrence Ave.

"A resident reported a burglary to his vehicle which was parked in the driveway. According to the resident an unknown actor(s) entered his vehicle during overnight hours but did not steal any valuables from within the vehicle. Since the vehicle had no signs of damage, or any evidence of forced entry, it appears it was unlocked at the time of this incident."

Oct. 13 at 12 p.m., 800 block of Highland Ave.

"The victims reports their identity was stolen and that the actor(s) filed a fraudulent tax return with the Internal Revenue Service. At this time the victims have suffered monetary loss as the actor(s) fraudulently obtained the victims' tax return."

Oct. 14 at 4:10 a.m., 100 block of Barchester Way

"A resident of Barchester Way was awakened by the sound of a car engine turning on. The resident looked out the window and observed an unknow suspect inside the driver’s seat of their vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot in an unknown direction prior to police arrival. According to the resident, the vehicle’s key fob was left inside the vehicle overnight and now reported missing from the vehicle."