$6K Theft Of Plants, Doorbell Ringing Top Northampton Twp. Crimes

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Juveniles ringing doorbells and the theft of $6,000 in plants from a business were among some of the criminal incidents handled by police recently.

The Northampton Township Police Department has released its blotter of criminal incidents for the period of June 19 to July 2.

During this tour Patrol handled 43 alarm calls; 29 abandoned 911 calls; 72 medical calls; 10 bookings; 12 domestic disputes; 24 civil disputes; 129 traffic monitoring details and 18 crime prevention details.

These are the criminal incidents:

06-19-23

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Bridgetown Pike for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 was traveling on Bridgetown Pike when Unit #1 was stopped at East Holland Road then turned in front of Unit #2, striking Unit #2. Both vehicles suffered damage but did not require a tow. No injuries were reported.

Hazardous Condition —Patrol responded to Buck Hill Drive for a report of a dumpster in the roadway. Upon arrival, Patrol found a dumpster for a construction job had been delivered and put in the street instead of the driveway. The contractor in charge of the construction job indicated that because the homeowner already had a dumpster in the driveway the company placed the second dumpster in the street. The contractor told patrol it would be moved by the end of the day.

06-20-23

Identity Theft —The complainant came into headquarters to report identity theft. The complainant states they were notified by Bank of America that someone had opened a checking account with their information. The account was closed. The complainant had no monetary loss but was very concerned that all of their personal information was used. The complainant was advised to contact all three of the credit reporting bureaus and keep a close eye on all of their accounts, and contact the police again if anything else happens.

Accident —Patrol responded to 2nd Street Pike and Newtown-Richboro Road for a report of an accident involving a vehicle and bicycle. Unit #1 was traveling on Newtown-Richboro Road and stopped at the red light, when the light turned green, they proceeded to go when a bicyclist appeared in the crosswalk the driver was unable to avoid hitting them. The bicyclist suffered minor injuries and was evaluated by EMS but refused transport to the hospital.

Found Property —The complainant came into headquarters to turn in an Apple iPhone they found on 2nd Street Pike and Tanyard Rod. Officers were able to identify the owner and return the phone.

Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report fraudulent activity on their account. The complainant states they received a text stating that someone was trying to use their debit card. The complainant responded to the text stating it was a fraudulent transaction, they then received a call from a man identifying themselves as “Chris” from their bank. The complainant assumed it was legitimate and confirmed all of their information. A couple of days later, the complainant noticed that there were fraudulent transfers in their bank account. They reported the fraud to their bank, which opened a fraud investigation.

06-21-23

Attempted Theft —Patrol responded to a theft in progress at a business on 2nd Street Pike. Upon arrival, store employees indicated the individual is the same person who used a stolen credit card last week. They indicated that the individual was in line waiting to checkout, and suddenly put everything down and left the store. Patrol check the area the individual was gone from the area. A check of the surveillance cameras was made.

Motor Vehicle Accident —Patrol responded to Bustleton Pike and Bristol Road for a report of two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 was traveling on Bustleton Pike when Unit #1 attempted to turn onto Bustleton Pike from Bristol Road and struck Unit #2. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage, but did not require a tow. No injuries were reported.

Juveniles/Suspicious Persons —Patrol responded to Holly Knoll Drive for a report of a juvenile problem. The complainant states that there are four teenage boys climbing their tree and knocking on windows and doors. The complainant last saw them across the street at a neighbor’s camper. Officers checked the area and did not locate any of the juveniles.

06-22-23

Disabled Vehicle —While on patrol, Officers observed a vehicle disabled on Upper Holland Road. The vehicle had a flat tire and was on the roadway. Officers were able to help the owner get the tire changed and clear the roadway.

Juveniles —Patrol responded to a call at Stafford Place for a report of juveniles throwing rocks at houses. The complainant states that juveniles have been throwing rocks into the rear of their property and wanted it documented. Patrol did not observe anyone in the area at the time of the call.

06-23-22

Warrant Arrest —While on patrol, Officers saw an individual known to them and known to have an outstanding arrest warrant from a neighboring municipality. The officers confirmed the warrant and took the subject into custody. The subject was transported to the neighboring municipality for handling.

Criminal Mischief —Patrol responded to Bustleton Pike for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The complainant states they were traveling on Holland Road when a vehicle passing them threw an object at Complainant’s vehicle, causing damage to the driver’s side door. The complainant was able to get their license plate number. Patrol was able to identify the vehicle owner, however, the complainant could not give a description of the driver. Patrol had police in the municipality where the owner is located go to the listed address, but no one was home. Multiple messages were left. The case was referred to detectives.

06-24-23

Suspicious Incident —Patrol responded to Harriet Road for a report of a loud bang on a door. The complainant states they heard someone knock on their door and then they heard a loud bang on the door and thought someone was trying to break in. The complainant had heard of the recent game of kicking doors and was concerned. Patrol located footprints leading up to the doorstep. Patrol checked the area for surveillance cameras.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Almshouse Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 was traveling on Almshouse Road when Unit #1 attempted to turn into a parking lot and struck Unit #2. Both vehicles sustained minor damage, and no tows were required. No injuries were reported.

06-25-23

Suspicious Incident —Patrol responded to Arbor Road for a suspicious incident. The complainant states that an unknown subject dressed in black knocked on their door and then took off. A check of the complainant’s surveillance camera does show an individual walking up to the door, knocking on it, and running away.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Almshouse Road and 2nd Street Pike for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #2 was stopped at the traffic light when Unit #1 struck them in the rear. Both vehicles sustained minor damage and were driven from the scene. No injuries were reported.

06-26-23

Theft —While on patrol, officers were flagged down by a business owner on 2nd Street Pike to report a theft that had taken place the day before. The complainant states that sometime yesterday afternoon various people stole plants from their business. The cost of the plants was in excess of $6,000. The complainant was able to produce surveillance video showing the individuals driving onto the parking lot and taking the plants. The case has been referred to detectives.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Lower Holland Road for the report of a one-vehicle traffic accident. The complainant reports driving on Lower Holland Road when a deer ran into the road and the Complainant was unable to avoid hitting it. The vehicle sustained moderate damage to the front bumper and headlight but was driven from the scene.

06-27-23

Information —Patrol responded to Beacon Hill for a report of juveniles ringing doorbells and leaving. The complainant states that they saw an online post of juveniles ringing doorbells and kicking doors. The complainant wanted officers to be aware that this happened to them a few weeks back. The complainant was instructed to call as soon as something happens so officers can canvas the area.

Road Hazard —A passing motorist reported a tree down on Chinquapin near Buck Road. Officers located the tree and contact DPW to remove it from the roadway.

ATV Theft —Patrol responded to Pine Place for a report of a stolen ATV. The complainant states that they discovered a padlock to their shed missing and when they checked inside found that their ATV was gone. The complainant last saw it on Saturday, June 24, 2023. The complainant did not observe any damage to the shed. The complainant did have the ATV on Facebook Market Place, however, there was never an address and no one came to see it. The complainant had no additional information.

Missing Person —Patrol was notified by Falls Township Police that one of their residents had gone missing and their phone was pinging in Northampton Township. The resident was located and they returned home.

06-28-29

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to W. Bristol Road and Hatboro Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit #1 was stopped on W. Bristol Road behind Unit #2. The traffic began to move and Unit #1 began to move, but Unit #2 did not and was struck by Unit #1. Both vehicles sustained minor damage, however, no tows were required. No injuries were reported.

Vandalism —Patrol responded to East Village Road for a report of vandalism to a pool. Upon arrival, patrol found four juveniles sitting in the area. A check of the pool found pool furniture in the pool. Police contacted the parents of the juveniles, some of whom were cooperative. Patrol will check surveillance cameras in the area.

06-29-30

Attempted Fraud —Patrol responded to Ivygreene Run for attempted fraud. The complainant states they received a phone call from a male caller claiming to be from PECO. The caller stated they would turn off the complainant’s electric unless they paid them immediately. The complainant recognized this as a scam and terminated the call. The complainant did not provide any information to the caller.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to East Bristol Road for a report of one-vehicle accident. The complainant states they were traveling on Bristol Road when a deer ran into the roadway. The complainant was unable to avoid hitting the deer. The vehicle sustained moderate damage but did not require a tow.

06-30-23

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to a parking lot on Holland Road for a report of a one-vehicle accident. The complainant states that a truck, leaving their parking lot, had hit a pole and did not want to give their information. The complainant had obtained the registration and officers were able to locate the driver. The driver indicated they had stayed and reported the accident to their insurance company.

Wires/Poles Down —Patrol responded to Holland Road and Rockville Road for a report of a utility complaint. The complainant states that there is a tree on the wires. Patrol observed a tree leaning on both PECO and Verizon wires. Both entities were advised of the situation and the road was closed until the tree and wires could be dealt with.

07-1-23

Property Damage —Patrol responded to Holland Road for a report of a Hit and Run with property damage. The complainant states they heard a loud noise and that their son then reported that their mailbox had been hit and damaged. The striking vehicle had fled the scene. A check was made for surveillance cameras.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Buck Road for a report of a one-vehicle accident. Complainant states while driving on Buck Road a deer entered the roadway and Complainant was unable to avoid hitting it. The vehicle sustained damage to the front bumper and hood but did not require a tow.

07-02-23

Criminal Mischief —While on patrol, officers were stopped by the complainant who indicated while operating their vehicle on Bustleton Pike, someone threw a milkshake at their vehicle. The complainant was able to clean the milkshake off but noticed damage to their vehicle, a minor dent in the hood.