The following is based on information provided by the Hopewell Township Police Department, which serves Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough:
Burglaries at Sourland Mountain Spirits and Brick Farm Tavern
On September 6, Sgt. Lincoln Karnoff responded to the Sourland Mountain Spirits Distillers for a reported burglary. The victim reported that an unknown actor(s) broke into the building and stole $300 in cash from behind the counter.
In addition, the Brick Farm Tavern was burglarized in the same manner. Again, $300 was reported missing from this location. The actor(s) disabled the surveillance system during this burglary as well.
The investigation for both incidents, which are believed to be related, is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident may contact Det Makwinski 609-737-3100 Ext 5740.
Cigarettes stolen from Citgo
On September 5, Sgt. Mark Panzano responded to the Citgo Food Mart for a reported theft and shoplifting incident. The employee reported that a customer entered the store to purchase three packs of cigarettes, however the customer’s credit card was declined. The actor then left with the cigarettes without payment. The investigation is ongoing.
Fraudulent check cashed while victim on vacation
On September 6, Officer Neil Hunt met with the victim of fraud / theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that a fraudulent check was cashed against his account for $1,960. The check was successfully cashed, while the victim was away on vacation. The incident was reported to Wells Fargo by the victim. The investigation is ongoing.
Three cell phone accounts fraudulently open
On September 7, Officer Hunt met with the victim of fraud in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that an unknown party opened a Verizon Wireless account under their identity. The suspect purchased three cell phones under this account. While reviewing his account statement, the victim observed three new cell phone numbers added to the account, which drew his attention to the fraud. The victim suffered no monetary loss, but was directed to continue to monitor his account and credit reports. The investigation is ongoing.
Titusville car unlawfully entered
On September 8, Officer Chris Vaccarino responded to a Wilfred Avenue address for a reported vehicle burglary. The victim reported that an unknown suspect entered their vehicle overnight. The vehicle was parked in the victim’s driveway and was left unlocked. No items were missing from the vehicle and they suffered no monetary loss. However, the vehicle was entered and rifled through. The investigation is ongoing.
Disorderly conduct at Capital Health-Hopewell
On September 10, Officer Robert Voorhees responded to the Capital Health – Hopewell Campus for a reported disorderly person. Upon arrival, it was reported that a disorderly male had gone behind the registration desk and caused a disturbance. After prolonged de-escalation efforts with no success and the individual’s refusal to leave the premises, he was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct. The individual was transported to HTPD for processing and later released from custody. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Identity theft, fraudulent credit cards opened in victim’s name
On September 11, Officer Maria Gavdanovich met with the victim of identity theft at the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that an unknown individual attempted to open multiple credit cards in their name. The credit cards were successfully closed after the victim was alerted to the activity. The victim suffered no monetary loss, but was advised to continue to monitor their credit report and report any further suspicious activity.
Multiple vehicles burglarized at Rosedale Park
On September 12, Officer Landon Zagacki responded to Rosedale Park for multiple reports of vehicle burglaries. Upon arrival, Officer Zagacki made contact with multiple victims who reported their vehicles were entered and personal items were stolen from inside their vehicles. The incidents took place between 6pm and 6:40pm. Entry was made into vehicles forcibly by breaking windows. The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these incidents may contact Detective Makwinski 609-737-3100 Ext 5740.
Items stolen from vehicle at Smith Crossing Tennis Courts
On September 12, Officer Grey responded to the Smith Crossing Tennis Courts on Stephenson Road for a report vehicle burglary. Upon arrival, the victim reported that a backpack was stolen from inside the vehicle containing a laptop, airpods pro, and a wallet. The total value of stolen items was reported as $2,329. The vehicle was not damaged during the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
