Catalytic Converter, ATM Thefts Top Warminster Township Crimes

WARMINSTER, PA —The theft of a catalytic converter and an ATM top the criminal incidents the Warminster Township Department reported in its recent police blotter.

The incidents reported are from Jan. 16 to Jan. 22.

Police are also reminding residents to make sure that their vehicles are locked. That notice comes after a recent rash of thefts from vehicles. See the alert below.

These are the criminal incidents:

Criminal Mischief and Disorderly Conduct —Police investigated a report of criminal mischief at a local restaurant/bar establishment. The report advised a known suspect damaged property that was in the rear of the building. After the investigation was completed, the 34-year-old Warminster man was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Fraud Charges Filed —Police responded to TD Bank for the report of fraud. The bank reported a man was attempting to cash a fraudulent check. After investigating the incident, charges were filed against the 54-year-old Philadelphia man.

Public drunk, fleeing and eluding & interfering with an investigation —Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation on Lowell Road, in which the officer observed signs the driver may be intoxicated. While investigating, a 25-year-old Huntingdon Valley man came out of the house saying he was a friend of the driver. That man was yelling at police and physically interfering with the stop. He was told numerous times to stand back and not interfere. While the man was interfering and drawing the officer’s attention, the driver of the vehicle stopped, a 25-year-old Philadelphia man exited and fled on foot. After investigating further, appropriate charges were filed against both men.

Simple Assault and Related Offenses —On Jan. 19, around 9 p.m., police were dispatched to Centennial Road for a report of a disturbance. After investigating, a 36-year-old Warminster woman was arrested for simple assault and related offenses.

Driving Under the Influence —Police responded to a traffic accident in the area of Street Road and Park Avenue. After making contact, it was determined that a 52-year-old Warminster man was intoxicated. He was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Wanted Person / Drug Possession Arrest —On Jan. 21, just before 3 p.m., officers came into contact with a wanted suspect who had an active warrant out of Bucks County. While taking the 26-year-old Warminster man into custody for the warrant, he was found to be in possession of suspected drugs. He was processed and released to the Bucks County Sheriff's Office on the warrant. The man was also charged separately by the officer for drug and drug paraphernalia possession.

Burglary and Theft Investigation —On Jan. 18, around 1:40 a.m., police responded to the Delta Gas Station located on York Road for the report of an alarm. Upon arrival, police found forced entry to the business. The suspects left the area prior to police arrival. The suspects took the ATM from inside the store. They believe the ATM theft may be connected with similar theftsin surrounding jurisdictions. Police are investigating.

Theft of Catalytic Converter —On Jan. 20, police took the report of a theft of a catalytic converter from a 2007 Chevy Express Van that was parked on Mary Street. The owner advised the vehicle was last used a few days prior and upon attempting to use the vehicle on this date he noticed a loud noise and discovered the missing catalytic converter. Police are investigating this incident.

** ALL SUSPECTS/DEFENDANTS IN THE STATED INCIDENTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW, SOME INFORMATION/INCIDENTS MAY BE WITHELD DUE TO NATURE OF INCIDENT OR ACTIVE INVESTIGATIONS ***

Community Awareness:

Police remind residents to secure their vehicles and remove valuables from vehicles that are being parked. Take note that many newer vehicles have key fobs that auto unlock car doors when you are in a certain range so ensure those key fobs are stored far enough away when not in use so that your vehicles remain locked.

Doing these simple things will help minimize the chances of you becoming a victim of this type of theft. Criminals look for unlocked vehicles/quick easy targets that they can get in and out fast.

Many times, they will walk around a complex or neighborhood trying door handles on vehicles looking for unlocked ones. These types of crimes tend to increase with the nicer weather, but recently we had multiple incidents reported which police are investigating.

Anyone who sees suspicious or illegal behavior occurring should call to have an officer dispatched to check the area as soon as possible. Call 215-672-1000 (Non-Emergency Dispatch) or 911 for emergencies.