Fraudulent Activity Tops Northampton Township Crime Report

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Incidents of fraud, including one involving a resident who had paid out over $100K, were among the criminal incidents recently handled by township police.

The Northampton Township Police Department has released its blotter of criminal incidents for the period of July 17 to July 23.

During this tour, patrol handled 16 alarm calls; 15 abandoned 911 calls; 41 medical calls; 11 bookings; 6 domestic disputes; 11 civil disturbances; 53 traffic monitoring details and 18 crime prevention details.

July 17

INFORMATION REPORTED — A resident told police that they had received a letter from PennDOT advising the address on their license had been changed. However, the resident said they did not change their address and did not know anyone at the address it had been changed to. The resident contacted PennDOT and advised them of the same. PennDOT made a case note but would not change it back. The resident was able to go online and change it back. They also checked their credit report and did not notice any new accounts opened.

ACCIDENT — Patrol responded to Holland Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit 2 was traveling on Holland Road and had stopped for a red light when Unit 1 struck Unit 2 in the rear. Both vehicles sustained minor damage and no tows were required. No injuries were reported.

July 18

SOLICITORS — Patrol responded to a call on N. Marmic Drive for a report of an unlicensed solicitor. Patrol was able to locate the individual who claimed they had a permit. A check with headquarters proved otherwise. The individual was instructed to cease all soliciting.

ACCIDENT — Patrol responded to 2nd Street Pike for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit 2 was stopped at a red light, Unit 1 saw the light and proceeded to try and stop but was unable to and struck Unit 2 in the rear. Unit 1 was towed from the scene. Minor injuries were reported by the occupants of Unit 2.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE — Patrol responded to E. Heron Road for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Patrol located a vehicle in a parking lot nearby. Through investigation, one of the occupants was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance, processed and released to a family member.

July 19

ACCIDENT — Patrol responded to Newtown-Richboro Road for a report of a semi-truck that had slid off the road. Patrol found the driver of the truck who indicated they had been traveling down the hill and noticed traffic had backed up and applied their brakes, which locked up causing them to slide off the side of the road into the brush. Patrol called for a heavy tow and the vehicle was pulled out.

INJURED ANIMAL — Patrol responded to Briarwood Drive for a report of a possible injured deer in a yard. A complainant showed patrol the deer and when patrol approached the deer it stood up and ran out of the yard.

July 20

ACCIDENT —Patrol responded to Elm Avenue for a report of one-vehicle accident. The complainant states they were traveling on Elm Avenue when they swerved to avoid hitting a deer, struck a tree in the embankment, continued on and came to a stop in the opposite lane of travel. The vehicle was heavily damaged and required a tow from the scene. Complainant denied injuries.

UNRESPONSIVE PERSON —Patrol responded to Shepherds Way for a report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, patrol found the subject unresponsive. Eventually, the subject woke up, but was dazed and confused. The subject appeared to be highly intoxicated and was transported to St. Mary Medical Center for evaluation.

FRAUD — The complainant and their son came into headquarters to report an ongoing fraud. The complainant states that they have been a victim of ongoing fraud since the fall of 2022. The complainant states that they were contacted in the fall of 2022 via text and calls stating they won a prize but would need to pay fees for the prizes. Over the next year the complainant paid over $100,000 via gift cards. After the latest payment, the complainant’s son became aware of the situation and stopped the complainant from making any further payments. The case was referred to detectives.

July 21

TRAFFIC STOP — While on patrol, officers stopped a vehicle for multiple violations. During the course of the investigation, it appeared the operator may be in possession of a controlled substance. The vehicle was impounded while a search warrant was obtained. Charges to be filed.

ACCIDENT — Patrol responded to Pulinski Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit 2 was driving on Pulinski Drive behind Unit 1, when Unit #1 began backing up and backed into Unit 2. Unit 2 received minor damage and neither vehicle required a tow. No injuries were reported.

FRAUD — A complainant contacted police regarding possible fraud. The complainant said while Googling “lawn maintenance for elderly people” they received a pop-up, which they clicked on. The action disabled their computer and another message appeared on the screen giving them a name and phone number to call. When the complainant called the number they were told their computer was disabled because the FBI was looking into activity on their computer, and that if they got gift cards they could make it right. The complainant purchased a large amount of gift cards and read the numbers to the individual over the phone. The complainant was then told they needed more money to correct the situation and the complainant provided another account which was charged. At this point in time, the complainant realized this may be a scam and called police. The complainant was instructed to contact their bank and credit card companies. Patrol attempted to contact the phone numbers used by the Complainant to contact the scammers. There was no answer and no way to leave a message.

July 22

PHONE RECOVERED — A complainant came into headquarters to turn in a found iPhone. The complainant said they were walking their dog in the township park near Chapel Drive in Holland and found the iPhone. Patrol turned on the phone and found that the owner’s information was deactivated and there was no identifying information. The iPhone was placed into property.

ACCIDENT — Patrol responded to Holland Road for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Unit 1 was traveling behind Unit 2 on Holland Road, when traffic stopped and Unit 1 was unable to stop and struck Unit 2. Unit 1 suffered major damage and was towed from the scene. Unit 2 suffered
moderate damage but was driven from the scene. The driver of Unit 1 reported injuries but refused EMS.

July 23

HIT AND RUN — Patrol responded to E. Bristol Road for a report of a hit and run. The complainant said that they were traveling on E. Bristol Road when the vehicle in front of them slowed. The complainant was unable to stop and attempted to maneuver around the vehicle but believed they struck the vehicle and then hit the curb, damaging their front and rear tires and requiring a tow. The vehicle in front continued on without stopping. A witness to the accident could not recall seeing the two vehicles make contact.