HTPD makes arrests in ongoing metal theft investigation
On December 27, Officer Landon Zagacki responded to a Reed Road address for a reported theft of metal roofing panels totaling approximately $1,500. The victim reported that this has been an ongoing issue with unidentified parties entering the property in search of materials to scrap. On January 2, Officer Maria Gavdanovich was on patrol in the area when she observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspects involved entering the driveway of the property. When the vehicle left the property, Officer Gavdanovich conducted a motor vehicle stop on the suspect’s vehicle on Reed Road. Additional officers responded due to the potential for arrest on scene. The driver and occupant were identified, arrested, and transported to Hopewell Township Police Department (HTPD) headquarters for processing. Both subjects were charged with theft and criminal mischief. They were released from custody after processing and service of charges. The matter will be heard in Superior Court.
Identity theft victim reports fraudulent AT&T bill
On December 28, Officer Neil Hunt met with the victim of identity theft in the HTPD lobby who reported that he received a bill in the mail in connection to an account that the victim did not open. The victim explained that he received a bill from AT&T, but that he is a Verizon Wireless account holder. The incident was reported to AT&T as a fraud and the victim was advised to monitor their credit and banking statements. The victim suffered no monetary loss due to the incident thus far.
Victim of fraud reports unauthorized credit card transactions
On December 30, at 10:32am Officer Zagacki met with the victim of fraud/theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that they found numerous fraudulent transactions on their Bank of America credit card account totaling $1,334.63. Upon further review, the transactions took place between 12/10/2023 and 12/28/2023 in jurisdictions in southern New Jersey. The investigation is active.
Over $10K of equipment stolen from Bish Sales
On January 2, Officer Gavdanovich responded to a business for a reported theft in which two large containers on the property were broken into. The locks were cut on both containers and various landscaping equipment was stolen from inside each trailer. The total amount lost during the theft was estimated at $10,295. The investigation is ongoing.
Credit union account holder reports unauthorized $2000 transaction
On January 3, Officer Blake DeMeter met with the victim of fraud in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that he received a call from his credit union stating there was suspicious activity on the account. The representative explained that a $2,000 transaction occurred on the account and the victim was unaware and advised that it was unauthorized. The details of the transaction were provided to Officer DeMeter for follow-up. The incident is under investigation.
Fraudulent airline ticket purchase uses victim’s credit card and airline points
On January 5, Officer Jonathan Pauciullo met with the victim of fraud in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that airline tickets were purchased using his account and credit card information. The total value of the tickets was reported as $516. The subject also used the victim’s 17,500 airline points during the purchase. The investigation is ongoing.
Edited on 1/13/24 at the request of a business owner victim to remove their name from the police report.
