Meter 'Made:' Police Say a Parking Meter Was Broken, Stolen

A parking meter on East Rigewood Avenue didn't fare well against thief on August 19th. A Village employee found the broken meter; police say parts of the meter were taken away from the scene, and that the value of the meter is somewhere between $500 and $600. They're investigating the incident.

Though it doesn't reflect the totality of police activity, the police are reporting a few other incidents from the past week.

• Things that go 'jump' in the night–unlocked car burglarized

On August 17, a resident of Knollwood Road reported that someone broke into his car during the night and stole various things. His vehicle was unlocked; the Detective Bureau are investigating the incident.

• Front wheel taken off kid's bike

On August 19,  a resident reported that her son had parked his bike at the skate park located near Lester Stable. When he returned someone had taken the front wheel, valued at $90. Detectives are looking into the theft.

• Midland Park youths smoking pot, drinking beer around Kings Pond

On August 19,  cops responded to a report that youths were drinking around Kings Pond. Detective Douglas Henky found four juveniles from Midland Park, one of which was charged with posession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a false ID. He was released to his parents pending juvenile court action.

• Laptop taken from car parked on E. Rigewood

On August 19, a Ridgewood resident reported that someone went into her car while she was in Stop & Shop or Starbucks on East Ridgewood Avenue. A laptop computer valued at almost $1,000 was reported stolen, and the Detective Bureau is looking into the matter.

• Thief able to find Garmin GPS from resident's car

On August 23, an East Glen avenue resident reported that between a rough three-week span beginning on the 1st of August and ending on the 23rd, someone had broken into his vehicle and taken a Garmin GPS device.

• Police still increasing DWI laws; also focusing on traffic safety

The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents that the department will continue its increased enforcement of DWI laws. Officers will be looking for the signs of under the influence drivers and taking the appropriate action.

The Department is still continuing enhance traffic safety enforcement in the Central Business District and major intersections.

The Ridgewood Police Department would also like to offer these Crime Prevention reminders: 

• Please lock your vehicles even when parked in your driveway.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• Consider motion sensor lights for your driveway.
• Do not leave valuables in your car such as GPS, Satellite radios, Computers, spare keys and/or handbags. If you must leave them in your vehicle secure then out of sight preferably in the trunk.
• Report suspicious activity to the police immediately.