Police Blotter: Homes and Local Businesses Targeted for Scrap Metal

Piping, wiring, and scrap metal have been stolen from various locations in Lacey Township over the course of several months.

Police reported to Lacey Exxon on Route 9 where someone damaged the rear fenced-in area on March 25, while stealing barrels of scrap metal and scrap material.

The damage to the fence is estimated at $500. The stolen metal was estimated at $300.

A resident on Lake Drive in the Bamber Lake section of Lacey Township reported that their home, which was vacant at the time, was forcibly entered on March 24.

A copper pipe valued at $400 was cut out of the house and removed from the house. The copper piping included ¾-inch and ½-inch pipes and 3/8-inch soft copper tubing.

The estimated damage to the house is $2,500.

Last week, someone stole 35 feet of service wire from under a home on the same street. The wire was valued at $200 for scrap.

The residents also reported that the cords from numerous power tools were cut off. Also stolen were five extension cords and a cordless drill valued at $200.

The crawl space of a home for sale on Renee Court in Forked River was entered in February and copper piping was removed and stolen. The stolen copper piping was estimated at $100.

Several ground wires at a JCP&L substation at Lakeside Drive East were stolen in January.

The substation displayed damage and the surrounding fence was defeated, police said. The ground wires were cut and removed.

The stolen ground wire was estimated at $350, damage to the facility is approximately $250, and the total repair cost to return it back to its original state is 600 dollars.

The various incidences may be unrelated but mark a trend in Lacey Township.

Lt. James Veltri provided the following information:

March 28

A resident of Lanoka Harbor parked their car in ShopRite’s parking lot. The side of the vehicle was keyed, causing $400 in damage.

March 27

A resident of Beach Boulevard in Forked River reported that throughout the course of the year someone stole a $300 ring, a diamond ring valued at $7,000, and $3,100 worth of collectible coins. The total value of the stolen items is $10,400. There was no forced entry.

March 27

A resident on Jay Street in Forked River reported that while hosting a party, someone stole their Xbox 360 valued at $200, two games and microphones. The total value of the stolen items is $400.

March 26

A silver serving tray valued at $200 and 10 black hotplates valued at $200 were stolen from outside of a residence on Pineway Drive.

March 26

Juan Schembri Jr., 19, of Toms River and Kyle Lorentzen, 19, of Beachwood were arrested and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police received a tip from an anonymous call regarding a suspicious vehicle parked on Grove Street in Lanoka Harbor.

When the police arrived, Schembri and Lorentzen were found in the 2010 Honda Fit.

Schembri was also charged with possession of drugs in motor vehicle. Schembri and Lorentzen were released on summonses.

March 26

Robert Dekker Jr., 27, of Forked River was arrested at approximately 12:43 a.m. Dekker was originally stopped for speeding and received a summons. He was also charged with DWI and reckless driving.

March 25

A rented work truck at a residence on Taylor Lane in Forked River was struck with a brick-like object causing $150 in damage to the exterior mirror.

March 25

A rock was thrown at a work vehicle parked on a resident’s property on Shenandoah Drive in Forked River. A window was damaged. The estimated damage is $400.

March 25

A home on Beach Boulevard in Forked River was forcibly entered. The outside of the home sustained damage. A list of stolen items is not available at this time.

March 24

A Lacey resident had an apple iPod stolen while visiting a friend on Chelsea Street in Forked River. The iPod is valued at $250.

March 23

Police reported to Gille Park where someone burnt paper towels in the men’s restroom. The towels were found in the sink. Someone tried to break the towel dispenser but the dispenser did not sustain damage. The bathroom needed extensive cleanup. Estimated repair costs were not provided.