On February 24, Stop & Shop loss prevention reported a shoplifting that occurred in the past. P.O. Kaitlyn Maglione investigated and identified the actor as James D. Cogan, Tenafly NJ, age 40. An arrest warrant was issued charging him with one count of 4th degree shoplifting.
On March 27, a resident of Highview Drive reported an attempted burglary to his home. After observing damage to a first-floor window, the homeowner reviewed their security cameras. The video revealed that on March 21, at approximately 5:00 AM, a car stopped in front of the house. Two individuals exited the vehicle and approached the house, one carrying a pry bar, and attempted to force open the window. Entry was not gained, and the actors left the area. The actors may have been looking to enter the house to obtain keys to vehicles that were parked in the driveway. If anyone has any additional information, please contact the detective bureau at 201-891-2121 or detectives@wyckoffpolice.org
On April 3, at approximately 2:45 PM, Sgt. Ryan Noon, P.O. William Christopher, and P.O. John Rafferty were dispatched to the area of Wyckoff Avenue and Grandview Avenue on a report of criminal mischief. The officers located a party matching the suspect provided by the caller and stopped to speak with him. Robert D. Morel, Wyckoff NJ, age 33, was placed under arrest and transported into headquarters. He was charged with one count of criminal mischief and released pending a court date.
On April 7, Stop & Shop loss prevention reported a shoplifting that occurred on March 30, at approximately 5:30 PM. Working alongside loss prevention officers, P.O. Michael Scalise was able to identify the vehicle the actor was operating. Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci was able to identify the actor as Robert Darco, Lyndhurst NJ, age 40. It was discovered that Darco committed a previous shoplifting at the Stop & Shop on March 18, 2025. Warrants were issued for his arrest for both offenses. At the time the warrants were issued, Darco was being held at the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center on other charges. A copy of the warrant was forwarded to the BCCRC.
On April 12, at approximately 2:00 PM, officers were dispatched to the Stop & Shop Supermarket on a reported shoplifting in progress. While responding to the store, officers were advised that the suspect left the area in a yellow taxi. P.O. Kenneth Marcoux and P.O. Michael Teegan observed the taxi on Wyckoff Avenue, near Russell Avenue, and stopped it. The rear passenger matched the description of the suspect provided by store personnel. The suspect, Christopher J. LaForge, Wayne NJ, age 41, was placed under arrest and transported into headquarters. He was charged with one count of 4th degree shoplifting. While in custody, it was discovered that he had active criminal complaints from the Township of Wyckoff for previous shopliftings that occurred on March 24, 2025, and April 4, 2025. After processing, he was remanded to the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center.
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