The following is information provided by the Hopewell Township Police Department, which serves Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough:
Store safe theft at Gulf Station and “gas and dash”
On July 12, Officer Landon Zagacki responded to the Gulf Gas Station located at 127 North Route 31 for a reported burglary. The manager stated that $4,609.79 was stolen from the store safe. The incident is believed to have occurred between July 5 and 12, 2023. The investigation is ongoing.
On July 13, Officer Zagacki responded again to the same gas station. The attendant reported that an unidentified female driver pulled into the gas station and received $40.02 in fuel. The female subject then left without payment. The female was operating a black Mercedes Benz sedan. The investigation is ongoing.
Police seize firearm and ammunition in vehicle stop
On July 12, Officer George Peterson conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Black Chevrolet Suburban. The driver was found to be in possession of a handgun, high capacity magazines, and ammunition inside the vehicle. The individual was placed under arrest and transported to Hopewell Township Police Department (HTPD) for processing. The individual was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of large capacity magazines. The individual was released from custody after processing. The weapon and accessories were seized by HTPD. The matter will be heard in Superior Court.
Equipment graffitied at Trap Rock
On July 19, Officer Michael Crincoli responded to Trap Rock located at 1610 River Road. Upon arrival, Crincoli met with staff who stated someone made unauthorized entry onto the property by cutting a chain link fence for access. There was also various graffiti left on equipment on the property. The investigation is ongoing.
Identify scam leads to debt collection
On July 19, Officer Crincoli met with the victim of identity theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim stated that their identity was used to open fraudulent accounts with large outstanding balances. The victim began to receive calls from a debt collection center in regards to the matter. The victim has not been held liable for the outstanding balances on these accounts due to the fraudulent nature of the transactions. The investigation is ongoing.
Fraudulent credit activity reported
On July 21, at approximately 11:56am, Officer Arthur Juba met with the victim of fraud in the HTPD lobby. The victim explained that a $5000 charge was completed on their Home Depot credit card fraudulently. In addition, he received a credit card application follow-up from Chase Bank when he did not apply for any additional lines of credit. The victim was advised to continue to monitor his credit activity and report. The victim has suffered no financial loss at this time.
ShopRite of Pennington’s self-checkout theft of $1,160 in groceries
On July 22, Officer Maria Gavdanovich responded to the ShopRite of Pennington for a reported shoplifting. Loss prevention staff reported that an unidentified female went through the self-checkout line and “waived a receipt” without making payment. The value of the groceries taken by the female was estimated at $1,160.37. The investigation is ongoing.
Shrimp bandit strikes Stop&Shop
On July 23, Officer Gavdanovich responded to the Stop&Shop located on Denow Road for a reported shoplifting that occurred on July 20, 2023. Loss Prevention reported that an unidentified male subject stole 12 bags of shrimp from the store. The surveillance footage was reviewed and supplied to Officer Gavdanovich. The total value of the stolen items was approximately $360. The investigation is ongoing.
