Vehicle Burglaries – 8/5/22
This morning we received numerous reports of vehicle burglaries being attempted or committed in the Country Walk development. The information gathered indicates a group of subjects came through the development around 3:00 AM and pulled on car door handles looking for unlocked vehicles. When a vehicle was found unlocked, the suspect(s) would open it and search for items of value to steal. Some residents were fortunate that nothing was taken, but others weren’t so lucky. Our officers will continue to patrol, but the single best thing anyone can do is to lock your doors. The shared characteristic of each of these cases was an unlocked vehicle.
In addition to the vehicle burglaries, a pick-up truck was reported stolen early this morning from a home on Public Road. In that case, the truck was unlocked and the keys were left in it.
This is a widespread problem effecting other townships in the area as well, so we must remain vigilant. Please take the recommended step to protect your property and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious occurring. Anyone with video or other information that may aid in this investigation can call 609-298-4411 Option 3.
UPDATE: Missing Person – 7/20/22
UPDATE: The missing person has been located and is safe.
Mansfield Township Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with locating a missing/endangered person. Anita L. Norton, 81-year-old white female, has been reported missing by a family member. She was last seen on July 19, 2022, at approximately 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Norton is 5’0″ tall and weighs approximately 140lbs. She was last seen wearing blue pants and a 3/4 length blue shirt. Mrs. Norton suffers from dementia and left her residence in the Homestead development. She is possibly operating a white 2015 Honda Civic (NJ registration – K23 KPS). Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call police immediately.
Hiring Notice for Police Officer – 06/27/22
We have started a selection process to increase the force and in preparation for retirements expected in 2022. All eligible candidates are invited to apply.
Vehicle Thefts and Burglaries Remain A Concern – 06/22/22
This morning at approximately 4:30 a.m., police responded to a call for subjects approaching a home and the vehicles parked in the driveway on Millennium Drive. The caller was alerted to the prowlers by security cameras at the residence and called police. The suspects were apparently scared off by the presence of the security cameras and ran away. Patrol units were in the vicinity and arrived in the area just 2 minutes after being dispatched. The suspect vehicle fled the area prior to police arriving.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and lock their homes and vehicles. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see suspicious activity. We will continue our patrols throughout the township during the overnight hours, but calls from the community greatly help increase our effectiveness.
Motor Vehicle Crash with Injuries – 05/20/22
On Friday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m., police were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash with injuries on Mount Pleasant Road west of Gaunts Bridge Road. The investigation revealed that a 6 year old boy was riding a mini dirt bike on a property on Mount Pleasant Road. The juvenile rode into the roadway and collided with a passing truck with horse trailer traveling east on Mount Pleasant Road. The driver of the truck reportedly swerved, but was unable to avoid striking the juvenile. The rear passenger side fender of the trailer struck the boy/motorbike causing him to be thrown off the motorbike. The child sustained injuries and was treated on the scene by emergency medical services before being transported to Helene Fuld Hospital in Trenton. The investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
Black Bear Sighting – 5/2/22
It’s that time of year again where we have black bear sightings in the township. Our first sighting this year occurred Monday night on Jacksonville Road between Old York Road & Mill Lane. Black bears tend to migrate through our area, but historically don’t stick around long term. These visits are nothing new and have been occurring for nearly a decade. Nonetheless, encountering a bear unexpectedly can be an unnerving experience, but certain common sense steps can be taken to mitigate any potential hazard. According to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, the most common bear problem New Jersey’s residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage. We encourage you to take a few minutes to see what you can do to reduce the chance you might attract bears to your property by checking out these Bear Facts For Homeowners.
Any bear sightings can be reported to police by calling the dispatch center at 609-298-4411 Option 1. Additionally, black bear damage or nuisance behavior can be reported to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
Coffee With A Cop Event Scheduled for April 26th
Come and join us on April 26th at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Homestead Plaza 2 from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Vehicle Burglaries Reported – Hedding Area – 03/01/22
During the last two weeks, police have received multiple reports of a suspicious subject in the Hedding area of the township (photo provided). Additionally, multiple vehicles have been entered and ransacked. In one case, cash was reported stolen from the vehicle, but in several other instances, the suspect left coins and other valuables untouched. So far, all the vehicles have been unlocked, allowing the suspect easy access to the interior. Residents are urged to lock their vehicles and homes. Additionally, remove valuables from your vehicles to mitigate potential losses.
If anyone has information about the suspect in the photo or sees someone matching the photo roaming the area, please contact police so we can investigate. Anyone with information or additional security camera video of the suspect is asked to contact police at 609-298-4411.
Attempted Residential Burglary – 02/16/22
On Wednesday, February 16th at approximately 3:00 A.M., police responded to an attempted burglary on Millennium Drive. A dark colored sedan with tinted windows, and a loud exhaust, parked on the street in front of the victim’s residence. Two suspects approached the home and attempted to gain entry through the garage door. Before entry could be gained, the suspects were scared off by the homeowner and fled the area.
Anyone with information or video they believe to be related to this incident can contact the detective bureau at 609-298-4411 Ext. 3.
Residents are urged to be vigilant in locking your doors, windows, and vehicles. Also, consider removing from your vehicle(s) any garage door opener remote that will operate the door without the vehicle being started. This is a method of entry the suspects have been leveraging.
Hiring Notice – Police Records Clerk
The Mansfield Township Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of full- time Police Records Clerk. Full details and eligibility requirements can be found HERE.
Mansfield Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.