On March 7, a credit card was reported stolen from a medical facility. Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci investigated and discovered that the card was used to make fraudulent purchases for approximately $100.00. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Frances Burris, Paterson NJ, age 58. Burris was charged with one count of theft and is scheduled to appear in court.
On March 13, a resident of Wilson Place reported the theft of a package from their front step. The package contained an Apple Iphone 14 and was stolen several minutes after UPS delivered it to the home. Neighbors reported seeing the suspect driving away in a black Jeep Cherokee with NY license plates. The detective bureau is investigating.
On March 15, at approximately 8:45 AM, a resident of Woodbury Drive reported the theft of their 2022 BMW X3. The resident stated that the vehicle was last seen parked in the driveway at 9 PM the previous evening. The vehicle was left unlocked with the key fob inside. On March 17, the BMW was found abandoned on Route 78 by the New Jersey State Police. The detective bureau is investigating.
On March 26, at approximately 7:15 AM, a resident of Atwood Place reported a male walked onto their driveway and attempted to enter their 2023 BMW X5. The homeowner confronted the individual causing him to run to an awaiting white Dodge Charger, being followed by a white Nissan Rogue. The Nissan was observed by Sgt. Ryan Noon, who attempted to stop it. The driver of the Nissan failed to stop, and Sgt. Noon pursued it. The brief pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns. Det Sgt. Michael DeMaio, with the assistance of Newark NJ Police, identified the actor as a 14-year-old male, residing in Garfield, NJ. He was charged on a juvenile complaint with one count of burglary.
On March 6, a resident reported that he was a victim of theft by deception. He stated that in November 2023, he contacted a vehicle broker to assist him in purchasing a used Audi A5. A deposit of $2,200 was provided to the broker to initiate the sale. Prior to receiving the vehicle, an additional $9,800 was sent to the broker. The resident became concerned when the Audi was not delivered despite numerous assurances that it would be. Det. Sgt. Ragucci investigated which resulted in a third-degree charge of theft by deception being filed against Anthony Antoniello, Totowa NJ, age, 38. On March 26, Antoniello surrendered himself at headquarters, was processed and released pending a court date.
On March 29, at approximately 9:00 PM, Officers were dispatched to a residence on Ivy Lane for a burglar alarm activation. P.O. Michael Teegan and P.O. Joseph Benanti observed that a rear door to the home had been forced open. The officers checked the interior of the home, found no one inside, and confirmed that the home had been burglarized. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Identification responded to process the scene for evidence. The investigation is being conducted by the Wyckoff Police Detective Bureau.
On April 3, at approximately 1:45 AM, a resident of Godwin Avenue reported an unknown person was knocking on their door. While responding to the area, P.O. Kaitlyn Maglione observed a male subject matching the description provided by the caller. The male, identified as Kenichi Takahara, Wayne NJ, age, 32 admitted to knocking on the resident’s door to ask for directions. While speaking with Takahara, officers observed a door standing open on a nearby vehicle. Takahara admitted to entering the vehicle and removing items from it. He was placed under arrest, transported to headquarters, and charged with burglary, theft, and possession of burglary tools. After processing he was remanded to the Bergen County Jail.
The Wyckoff Police Department would like to point out that the above individuals have been charged with a crime, offense, and or motor vehicle violations. However, they are presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty in a court of law.
We cannot stress enough the value of our residents remaining alert in their neighborhoods and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the police, “Hear It! See It!, Report It!”
We encourage all residents to report ANY suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring at any time to the Wyckoff Police – County Communications Center at 201-891-2121 or 911 in the event of an emergency.