Cell Phone Theft Ring Targets Holmdel Residents: Officials

HOLMDEL, NJ — Residents should be aware of a trend in thefts of cell phones delivered to homes, said former Mayor DJ Luccarelli, this year the Township Committee Public Safety/Public Works liaison.

In a report to the committee on Tuesday, he said the Police Department has informed him that there is a cell phone theft ring that operates in the entire state.

While the persons involved are not known, the thieves seem to be aware when cell phones will be delivered to porches and the packages can be taken in minutes of delivery, he said.

He said anyone having a cell phone delivered their home should be aware that someone may be in the area to watch for the delivery. So residents should be alert to any unfamiliar vehicles in the area.

Another safety issue Luccarelli brought up involved burglaries at two unoccupied homes.

He said the Police Department told him there were two instances of residential burglaries, one on Main Street and one on Hastings Road - both in homes unoccupied and under construction.

He asked neighbors to keep an eye on unoccupied houses and report any suspicious vehicles.

Luccarelli said a white Dodge pick-up truck was spotted in the areas of these particular burglaries.

And if residents want to learn more about police operations in the township, the Citizens Police Academy will be starting up in March and is now accepting applications.

The program runs from March 5 to April 30, and provides members of the community with a background and understanding of Holmdel Township Police Department policies and activities, as well as the structure and limit of police power.

"Familiarity with these principles is the key to understanding the actions and reactions of police officers in the performance of their duties," the department says. You can read more here.

The eight-week program will be held in approximately two-hour sessions once a week. The program is limited to 20 participants.

Applications are due by March 1, and Luccarelli said the class fills up fast.

For more information or to apply, visit here.