Church Scam, Egged Houses Top Northampton Twp. Crimes

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Egged house and a church gift card scam were among some of the criminal incidents the Northampton Township Police Department reported in their blotter for the period of Oct. 16 to Oct. 22.

During this tour, Patrol handled 16 alarm calls; 7 abandoned 911 calls; 33 medical calls; 13 bookings; 10 domestic disputes; 8 civil disputes; and 93 traffic monitoring details.

Oct. 16

Attempted Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report an attempted fraud. They said that they received a telephone call from someone reporting that their Walmart account had been hacked by someone in Albany, N.Y., and they had been charged $1,600. They stopped the caller telling them they did not have a Walmart account. They knew it was a scam and wanted the police to be aware. They were advised to monitor their personal information and/or accounts.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Upper Holland Road for a report of a one-vehicle accident. The complainant states they were traveling on Upper Holland Road when a deer ran out and struck the side of their vehicle. The vehicle sustained damage to the driver’s side mirror, front door, and rear door. No tow was required.

Oct. 17

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to West Bristol Road and Churchville Lane for a report of a three-vehicle accident. Unit #1 was traveling on Bustleton Pike towards Churchville Lane and West Bristol Road. Unit #2 was traveling on West Bristol Road, through the intersection when they were struck by Unit #1, who then struck Unit #3. Unit #2 was towed from the scene and no injuries were reported.

Oct. 18

Juvenile Problems —Patrol responded to a business on 2nd Street Pike for a report of a juvenile complaint. The complainant states that there were three individuals in the store creating a disturbance. When they were asked to leave, they became disruptive. The worker was able to provide a registration plate for the vehicle they left in. Patrol followed up with parents who indicated they would address the issue with their children.

Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report fraud. The complainant states they received a text they believed was from a local pastor, asking for help and the complainant responded to the text. The complainant was requested to obtain Apple Gift Cards, which they did, and sent the information to the phone number. At that point, the complainant contacted the church and was told that it was fake message and not to respond to it. The case was referred to detectives.

Oct. 19

Suspicious Incident —The complainant contacted Bucks County 911 to advise they were being followed and were headed to police headquarters. Officers observed the two vehicles en route to headquarters. Once there, officers spoke with the driver of vehicle who was following the complainant. The following individual did not have a plausible reason for following the complainant and was identified. The complainant was advised of the outcome.

Fraud —Patrol responded to Signal Hill Road for a report of fraud. The complainant states they were notified by their credit card company that there was an attempt to modify their account and the credit card company had flagged the account. This is the third time since September that their account has been corrupted. The credit card company has not been helpful to Complainant in these matters. The complainant closed the account and there was no monetary loss.

Criminal Mischief —Patrol responded to Gregory Place for a report of Criminal Mischief. Complainant states that sometime last evening an unknown subject threw multiple eggs at Complainant’s home. The complainant indicated that there was no damage. A check of the area was made for surveillance cameras.

Criminal Mischief —Patrol responded to Carmelita Drive for a report of Criminal Mischief. The complainant states that sometime last evening an unknown subject threw multiple eggs at the complainant’s home, causing damage to a window screen. A check of the area was made for surveillance cameras.

Oct. 20

Gas Leak —Patrol responded to Boxwood Drive for a report of a carbon monoxide alarm. The Northampton Township Fire Company responded as well and found high levels of carbon monoxide. It was found to be emanating from the oven. The fire company secured the scene.

Attempted Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report an attempted fraud. They stated that while working on their computer they had a pop-up on the screen indicating that there was a problem with their bank account and to call the phone number which they thought was their bank. When they called the number, the gentleman who answered said there was a suspicious charge on their bank account in the amount of $14,000. The gentleman told them that they should remove the money from their account and deposit it into an account that the man had opened for the complainant. The complainant grew suspicious that it was a scam and did not make the deposit. Contact was ceased. The complainant was able to confirm with their bank it was a scam and discussed safeguards to prevent scams in the future.

Oct. 21

Burglary —Patrol responded to Village Shires for an alarm activation. Upon arrival officers observed the glass portion of the doors smashed. Officers observed the area behind the counter in disarray. The store was processed for evidence and the investigation is being handled by the detectives’ unit.

Burglary —Patrol responded to Whitney Lane for a report of a burglary not in progress. The complainant reports they had been out of the home and when they returned they found their door smashed, their dogs secured in the basement, and items stolen from the home. Detectives processed the home for evidence and were taking charge of the investigation.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Newtown-Richboro Road and Rock Way for a report of a traffic accident. Unit #2 was stopped at a red light on Newtown-Richboro Road when Unit #1 failed to stop and struck Unit #2 in the rear. Both vehicles sustained damage but did not require a tow. No injuries were reported.

Oct. 22

Dog Bite —Patrol responded to Spring Avenue for a report of a dog bite. The complainant states that they were dropping off clothing in the area. While speaking with the homeowner, the dog got out and bit them on their ankle. The homeowner provided current registration and medical records for the dog. The dog owner was explained the quarantine process.

Suspicious Incident —Patrol responded to Whitney Lane for a report of suspicious persons. The complainant states they observed three people exit a vehicle and walk towards the rear of a property with flashlights. Patrol observed the vehicle and checked the property. Officers made contact with three juveniles who stated they were fishing. The juveniles did have flashlights and fishing gear with them. The juveniles agreed to leave for the night.