On March 1, an 82 year old Wyckoff resident reported that she received a call from an
unknown number advising her that she won the Publishers Clearing House grand prize of
18 million dollars and a new luxury vehicle. She was advised by the caller that she needed
to pay $10,000 via gift cards in order to collect her prizes. She purchased a $500.00 gift
card and provided the card’s information to the caller so he could redeem the money. The
caller then advised her that he could lower the $10,000 fee to $5,000 and requested the
remaining $4,500.00. The resident became suspicious that she was being scammed and
advised the caller that she wanted to consult with her accountant prior to sending any
additional monies. The caller continued to call her until she blocked the number. The
Wyckoff Police would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that if someone is
asking for money or personal identifying information over the phone, it typically is a
scammer attempting to defraud you. Simply hang up the phone and let unknown calls go
to your voicemail.
On March 3, at approximately 8:20 AM, a business owner on West Main Street reported
the theft of catalytic converters from 5 company owned trucks. The theft was reported to
have occurred during the previous evening. The Wyckoff Detective Bureau is
investigating.
On March 3, at approximately 5:00 PM, a second business owner on West Main Street
reported the theft of two catalytic converters off of company owned trucks and the
attempted theft of a third. The Wyckoff Detective Bureau is investigating.
On March 4, at approximately 3:35 AM, Wyckoff Police responded to a burglar alarm at
Hartger’s Jewelers, 699 Wyckoff Avenue. Upon arriving, P.O. Kyle Scherm observed a
broken window on the north side of the building with a ladder on the ground underneath
it. Responding officers quickly set up a perimeter around the building and entered to
search for the suspects. It was discovered that the business had been burglarized and the
suspects had left the area prior to police arrival. Surveillance images from the business
revealed that two actors were involved, with one making entry into the business and one
remaining outside the broken window. The owner reported several items of jewelry and
watches were taken and is currently compiling a list of stolen items. The Wyckoff Detective
Bureau is investigating.
On March 5, at approximately 7:00 AM, a resident of Timberline Drive reported that his
2022 Ford Expedition was stolen from his driveway during the previous evening. The
owner advised that the keys for the vehicle were left in a jacket pocket that was hanging in
the garage. While investigating, officers determined that the jacket and keys were both
missing. No signs of forced entry into the garage were located. A second vehicle in the
driveway, a 2021 BMW was also entered and $50.00 was reported to be missing from the
glove compartment. At approximately 8:00 AM, Newark NJ Police reported they located
the Expedition in their city. The matter is being investigated by the Wyckoff Detective
Bureau.
On March 8, at approximately 1:00 AM, a resident of Village Place reported an unknown
person was attempting to enter his home. While responding to the area, P.O. Kyle Scherm
observed a gray BMW X3 travelling on Sunset Boulevard at a high rate of speed. The
homeowner confirmed that this was the same vehicle he saw the suspect flee the scene in.
P.O. Scherm attempted to stop the vehicle and it continued onto Route 208 South at a high
rate of speed. The brief pursuit was terminated at Goffle Road, and the BMW was later
pursued by Paramus Police, who were unable to stop it. Paramus advised that the license
plate on the BMW revealed that the vehicle was stolen out of Brick, NJ earlier in the day
and was potentially occupied by 4 to 5 individuals. The Wyckoff Detective Bureau is
investigating.
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.
