SP Police Reports: Oct. 20 to 25

The Scotch Plains police have received several reports in recent weeks from residents who have had decorations stolen from outside their homes.

The latest incident occurred last Thursday, Oct. 22, when a resident of Mountain Avenue reported that someone removed a decoration, valued at $75, from the front of her house.

With Halloween only a few days away, Lt. Brian Donnelly advised that residents should try and bring in their decorations at night, particularly on Friday, which has long informally been known as "Mischief Night."

"We ask people to do a little crime prevention," he said. "Leave the lights on. If you have a a pumpkin out, bring it in for the night. Don't make yourself a target."

Donnelly said that the police department will have extra patrol out on Friday night, and will make arrests if they see any criminal mischief taking place.

Tuesday, Oct. 20:

• Dane Ralph, 49, of Newark, was arrested for an outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle stop. He was processed and released.
• Mario Koleser, 28, of Carteret, was arrested for an outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle stop. He was processed and released.

Thursday, Oct. 22:

• Damian Williamson, 32, of Elizabeth, was arrested for an outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle stop. He was processed and released.
• Drew Miller, 24, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person on the street when they found Miller. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.
• A resident of Fenimore Avenue reported being a victim of burglary. The woman stated that an unknown suspect entered her vehicle and removed her wallet, which contained money and several credit cards. The vehicle was parked in front of her house.

Saturday, Oct. 24:

• Jeffrey Vargas, 21, of North Plainfield, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. An officer stopped Vargas for a motor vehicle violation when he noticed the odor of alcohol. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Sunday, Oct. 25:

• A worker at a Route 22 restaurant reported being a victim of harassment. The woman stated that a coworker has repeatedly made sexual comments to her for several weeks now.