NUTLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT BLOTTER FEB. 18 - FEB. 24, 2017

Posted

Here is this week's police blotter, with a special alert, from the Nutley Police.

NUTLEY CHIEF NOTES


Township Advisory


Friday 2/17/2017 Police were called to a Mountainview Ave home after the residents realized that two scammers entered their home and made off with proceeds. The caller reported that two men came to her door claiming that they were working down the street and needed to get in her basement to check the water. She reportedly accompanied one downstairs, while the second appeared to wait outside. After a brief stay, the resident realized that the duo made off with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.
Nutley Police canvassed the area and were able to obtain video surveillance of a newer model pickup truck. The image was then broadcast to neighboring jurisdictions and received information on possible registrant. At the same time Bloomfield Police conducting a parallel investigation involving same actors and same vehicle, worked with Nutley to identify 31 y/o Michaelangelo Costello and 58 y/o Wando Delmaro of Jersey City.
Bloomfield Detectives were able to apprehend suspects and vehicle. Nutley Police identified several items in their possession linking them to the Mountainview home, both were charged with Burglary and Theft. Through investigation, investigators believe that they were also responsible for a recent Bloomfield Ave Burglary and may have ties to Union Ave Burglary as well.
 
Director Alphonse Petracco said diversion burglaries are common they allow one person to enter, occupying the homeowner while a second waits until resident is distracted; they then enter to commit burglary. He commended all officers and detectives that worked on this investigation and thanked State Police RTCC, Bloomfield, Caldwell, and Livingston for their assistance in this case. 
Chief Thomas Strumolo commended all officers for their efforts and special thanks to the residents that provided investigators with surveillance.  He said for every person arrested, there are several more ready to take their place. He reminds residents that caution needs to be taken when allowing anyone into your home. Don’t let anyone influence you to enter without calling police first.
 
 


Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo warn residents of unscrupulous business practices. On 1/11/17 a company that claims to seal driveways knocked on an 85 y/o Bloomfield Ave. resident’s door offering a discounted price of 150.00 to seal her driveway. When the resident agreed, the man performed a service and then told her that he used more sealer than quoted and raised the price to 1003.00. The woman negotiated the price down some but paid more than initially agreed.
Although there was an exchange of money for service, the practice is misleading and unfair. Detectives were able to identify the actor as a Cliffside Park resident that travels the state pitching the same approach.
Chief Strumolo warns residents, to refrain from hiring anyone without first checking references. And absolutely get specifics on a written contract. As always we recommend that you contact police before engaging in any kind of agreement.

Winter Month Advisory Please remove Ice and Snow from walkways no later than 36 hours after snow stops falling. Be respectful of neighbors when using blowers and plows after hours.
Remove all snow and ice from your Entire Vehicle prior to driving on public roadways.
When Snow is forecasted or is falling Parking on roadways will be prohibited so that clean up and Emergency Vehicles can travel freely.
During snow emergencies please stay off roadway except for absolutely necessary travel.



This time of year the result of busy schedules, unsuspecting victims are more frequently defrauded, scammed, and burglarized.
I would like to remind everyone to remain alert and conscious to scammers, and do whatever necessary to safeguard your car, home and personal information.

TYPE OF SCAMS CIRCULATING THROUGH NUTLEY THROUGH PHONE CALLS TO IT’S RESIDENTS: 

SWEETHEART SCAM:  One of the most widely utilized modes of preying upon a victim to attain financial gain.  The scammer convinces their victim that they are in love, using the emotion to bilk money from the unsuspecting person.  People meet on websites like “Tinder” and “Kick” – a resident was scammed out of $20,000.00 over a period of time (approximately 8 months) where iPhones and money was sent via Money Gram and Visa gift cards.

ATTN BUSINESS OWNERS:  There is a phone call scam from PSE&G where the caller may have your PSE&G account number or a partial of that number and ask for immediate payment.  It is not common place for PSE&G to ask you to send payment via “Money Gram,” thru a money card “Gift Card” or your service will be shut off.  Contact PSE&G direct to verify your account status before any monies are exchanged.
With Latest Incident attempt at a Prospect St Business this two weeks ago.






FRAUDS although there are many scam artists trying to take advantage of trustworthy residents, there is no way to stop them from calling, e mailing, or attempting to access personal info, however we can STOP providing them personal information, hang up the phone, block their numbers, and not reply to their requests. And most importantly we have the power to NOT send any money to anyone without confirming recipient’s identity.

A common scam, in which a scam artist posing as a buyer sends more than the item listed and requests a refund of balance. It is usually too late once the counterfeit money order or check is discovered.
This week the Nutley Police Department experienced an increase in phone scams, in which scammers pretend to be from the IRS stating the resident owes money. Please note DO NOT PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION OR SEND MONEY.
Also IRS rarely calls to advise you owe them money, or threaten an action has been filed!
Also a common scam is when the caller pretends to be a family member, then immediately another person gets on the phone and says that this family member is need of money.


Chief Strumolo continues to warn residents to SECURE and LOCK their vehicles. Unlocked vehicles have contributed to many thefts over the past several months, all of which could have been prevented if doors were locked.
Also never leave valuables in car where they can be observed.
Chief Strumolo advises residents that if they observe that their vehicle had been entered, NOT to touch anything and call police. He stated that it is important that the vehicle remain undisturbed for investigators, no matter how little was disturbed or stolen. Evidence left by actor may lead to prosecution for their vehicle and many others burglarized in recent weeks.

Chief Thomas Strumolo said that burglary to auto, has been one of the Townships leading offenses this year. He said several Township alerts, newspaper and Internet warnings, to lock doors, failed to stop these felons from burglarizing our residents. He said with assertiveness and proactive policing, we were able to identify most of the actors responsible for the thefts. I continue to urge residents to lock their vehicles doors and remove valuables.

Additionally, if a credit card, cell phone, laptop, I pad etc. is stolen. DO NOT turn service off until directed to do so. Calls placed, and tracking devices can help with investigation. Any charges placed on a credit card, can assist law enforcement with identifying actor at the place the attempt was made. Typically charge cards can be flagged, and owner will not responsible for charges after a police report has been filed.


If there is a utility pole near your home and the light is out please call PSEG or Police Headquarters and provide the tag number of pole and address of closest home. Well-lit streets help reduce crime.


Anyone that has a home surveillance system, please send your contact information and system location to DetectiveBureau@NutleyPD.com attention Det. Sgt. Montanari should a crime be committed near your location Detectives may contact you to review for potential identifiers.

He also said Nutley Police do not endorse the below company however a number of residents have purchased new doorbells that record actors, proving to be a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement, for around 200.00. The below doorbell can be purchased on line, at RING.COM the manufacturer of this device offered residents a 25.00 discount if promotional code 7npd07110 is used. Typical View Below….?