Vehicle Vandalized on Shaftsbury Ave in Hopewell Borough
On January 27, Officer Marissa McCallum responded to a Shaftsbury Ave address in Hopewell Borough for a reported criminal mischief. The victim reported that the rear windshield of their vehicle was smashed. The victim further stated that nothing was taken from the vehicle. The vehicle, 2016 Ford Fiesta, was parked in the roadway and the incident was believed to have occurred between 5pm January 26 and 2:30pm January 27. The total damage was over $500.
Fraudulent Bank Accounts and Credit Cards Opened in Resident’s Name
On January 29, Officer Ryan Finnegan met with the victim of fraud in the Hopewell Township Police Department (HTPD) lobby. The victim reported that he received notification through the postal service that his mail was placed on hold, however, the victim did not request this. The victim then began to receive debit and credit cards in the mail. The victim found that 11 bank accounts were opened in his name as well. The credit cards that were opened were actively being used for various purchases as well. The victim provided documentation and statements to the officer for follow-up investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
Vehicle Burglary at Mercer Meadows Parking Area
On January 20, Sgt Mark Panzano responded to the Mercer Meadows parking area on Blackwell Road for a reported vehicle burglary. The victim reported that the rear window of her vehicle was smashed, and a fanny pack was stolen from inside the car. Various items were inside the bag, totaling a $496 loss. The incident occurred between 12 and 12:49pm on January 20. The incident is under investigation.
Attempted $50,000 Wire Fraud Thwarted in Hopewell Township
On January 21, Officer Finnegan responded to a Washington Avenue address for a reported fraud. The victim stated that she received an email from a known sender regarding a wire transfer for $50,000. The victim stated that the sender was known and transfers like this were normal business. The wire transfer was then made, but a few days later she received notification that the transfer did not go through and the funds were returned to her account. When the victim reached out to the sender she believed the transfer was being sent to, they responded stating they never requested a $50,000 wire transfer and advised that it was fraudulent. Fortunately, no loss of funds was incurred.
Scammer Posing as Sheriff’s Office Steals $13,000 in Bitcoin Fraud
On January 22. Officer Paul Alvaro met with the victim of fraud and theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported receiving a call from a person who identified themselves as the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. The unidentified party directed the victim to deposit $13,000 into a Bitcoin account, which the victim complied. Once the money was deposited, the victim was told there were two more “federal charges’ and directed him to deposit another $16,000. Once the victim disputed and questioned them, he was put on hold and the call was ultimately disconnected. Further information was provided to Officer Alvaro for follow-up investigation. Residents are reminded that the local police departments or sheriff’s offices will never solicit for money or take any payments over the phone, or through any cryptocurrency / gift cards.
Second Vehicle Burglary Reported at Mercer Meadows Parking Area
On January 26, Sgt Panzano responded to Mercer Meadows parking area for a reported burglary in a vehicle. The victim reported that her car window was smashed and bag was stolen from inside the vehicle. The incident occurred between 1:15 and 2:24pm on this date. The total value of the stolen items was estimated as $346 plus the damage to the window. The investigation is ongoing.
Washer and Dryer Stolen from Unoccupied Home Under Construction at Hopewell Parc
On February 3, 2025 Officer Finnegan responded to an Aaron Truehart Way address at Hopewell Parc for a reported burglary from a residence under construction. The incident occurred between 4pm on January 31 and 8am on February 3. A GE washing machine and dryer were stolen from the residence. The home is not occupied as it is still under construction. The investigation is ongoing.
From the Hopewell Township Police Department
