PELOPS, CREDIT CARD THEFTS, AND BURGLARIES: A LOOK AT THE RISE OF CRIME IN MIDDLETOWN, NJ

In recent months, the Middletown Nj Patch Police Blotter has seen a surge in reports of property crimes, including petit larceny, credit card theft, and burglaries. From stolen bikes to swiped credit card information, residents are taking extra precautions to safeguard their belongings. According to the police reports, the most common types of crimes committed in Middletown are related to property theft, with a notable spike in the number of incidents since the summer months.

PELOPS: The Most Reported Crime in Middletown

Permanently Expired and Lost Property (PELOPS) continues to be a prevalent issue in Middletown. The police department defines PELOPS as a crime where property is stolen due to being left unlocked or forgotten in public places. Sergeant Melissa Stark of the Middletown Police Department states, "(PELOPS) is a significant problem in our area. Burglars take advantage of the ease of finding unlocked vehicles and homes." The Middletown police recorded 175 PELOPS incidents between June and September. Some examples include:

* On July 10, 2022, a resident reported their unlocked car parked on

Silver Birch Dr was broken into and a laptop and wallet were stolen.

* On August 15, 2022, an unlocked bicycle was taken from the bike racks near the ShopRite shopping center on Yorktown Rd.

* On September 20, 2022, a resident reported having their unlocked home on Sunset Rd. Tampered with, and their bags, wallet, and phone were stolen.

To combat PELOPS, residents are advised to lock their homes and vehicles at all times, especially in public areas.

EBT Card Skimmers: Credit Card Theft on the Rise

Recent months have seen an increase in the use of electronic bank transfer (EBT) card skimmers at local gas pumps. Credit card thieves install these card skimmers on card readers at gas stations, grocery stores, and other business locations. After gathering the credit card information, the thieves clone the cards and use them for their own benefit. On Sept. 7, 2022, the Middletown Police Department arrested a 22-year-old for EBT card skimming at a local gas station. Detective Christopher Olsen from the police department states, "The owners must be vigilant in using security cameras, warning signs, and putting measures up to protect themselves from such threats. Staying safe daily could easily avoid being hit by con fraudsters."

The public is encouraged to remain cautious when using credit or debit cards at local businesses. Here are some guidelines for avoiding EBT card skimmers:

* Always inspect the card reader and ideally look for signs of tampering.

* Use contactless payment methods when possible.

* Use ATMs and payment machines within a safe, well-lit area.

* Monitor transactions regularly and report any suspicious activity to your bank.

Residential Burglaries: Burglars are becoming more cunning

Residential burglaries in Middletown are particularly high, with over 100 incidents reported between June and August 2022. Many burglaries involve perpetrators who target homes with open windows or unlocked doors. An example is a July 5, 2022 burglary on Tuddenham Ln, where the homeowner reportedly reported letting an unlocked window open. The burglars gained entry and stole electronics, jewelry, and cash. The homeowners' attention to any new stimulus is noted.

Top tips for homeowners to avoid residential burglaries include locking doors and windows, securing outbuildings, and investing in a home security system.

*Burglars can showcase complex skills. Thieves tend to not pass on normal insulation construction for advanced detection techniques to get in.*