SP Police Reports: Burglary and Fraud Among Reports

Scotch Plains police handled reports of both burglary and fraud over the past week.

On Tuesday, July 7, a resident of Aberdeen Road reported being a victim of burglary. He stated that an unknown suspect entered his vehicle and removed several items, valued at approximately $100.

On that same day, a resident of Rambling Drive reported being a victim of fraud. He stated that an unknown suspect opened up two credit cards in his name and made several purchases without his authorization. The purchases totaled approximately $250.

Other police reports from the past week included outstanding warrants, DWI, and criminal mischief. Below is a full account of the activity.

Tuesday, July 7:

• James Smith, 57, of Plainfield, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was stopped for a motor vehicle violation when the officer discovered the warrant. Smith was taken to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.
• A resident of Rambling Drive reported being a victim of fraud. He stated that an unknown suspect opened up two credit cards in his name and made several purchases without his authorization. The purchases totaled approximately $250.

Friday, July 10:

• Marco Palate, 27, of North Plainfield, was arrested for possession of a stolen license plate. He was stopped for a motor vehicle violation when the officer discovered that the plate was stolen off another vehicle. Palate also didn’t have a driver’s license or proper insurance. He was taken to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Sunday, July 12:

• Michael Hanford, 25, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. He was stopped for a motor vehicle violation when the officer discovered the smell of alcohol. Hanford was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

• A resident of Wood Road reported being a victim of harassment. The resident stated that an ex-girlfriend calls him several times a day at all hours and yells at him.
• A resident of Martine Avenue reported being a victim of criminal mischief. He stated that an unknown suspect knocked over his lamp post, which was valued at approximately $150.