THEFT – On May 2, 2023, multiple residents throughout the Borough reported thefts of catalytic converters from their motor vehicles during the early morning hours. The perpetrators appear to be targeting late model Hondas.’ Thefts of these items have increased over the years due to the increase in price of the metals contained inside. The catalytic convertersare typically cut from the motor vehicle within minutes.

In an effort to prevent these incidents from occurring, below are some ways you can protect your vehicle;

Consider installing a catalytic converter anti-theft device such as, an anti-theft protection shield or alarm. If possible, park vehicles inside of a garage. If not possible, consider installing motion activated security lighting and cameras as a deterrent. Do not leave keys or key fobs in the vehicle whether it is parked outside or in a garage. Finally, consider having the vehicle VIN # etched onto the catalytic converter.

WARRANT ARREST – On May 8, 2023, officer Matthew Tapp arrested a 55-year-old male from Beachwood on the strength of several active warrants. The man was taken into custody, processed, and lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

STRUCTURE FIRE – On May 16, 2023, officers Batullo and Prince responded to 226 Beachwood Blvd for a report of a structure fire. Upon officers’ arrival, the officers learned that the tenant, a 70-year-old male, had self-evacuated.The one-story bungalow style residence was found to be fully engulfed with flames and heavy smoke. The fire was brought under control by Beachwood Vol. Fire Department in under 30 minutes. Beachwood EMS aided at the scene and transported the occupant of the home to Community Medical Center. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and Beachwood Police Department Detective Bureau.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT – On May 20, 2023, Traffic Safety Officer Batullo responded to and investigated a one vehicle car accident involving a 19-year-old male from Toms River. The investigation revealed that the driver lost control of his vehicle on Pinewald Road while entering Beachwood from Berkeley Twp. The vehicle, spun out of control, exited the roadway, rolled over and struck a tree. The driver did not report any injuries at the time of the investigation.  

RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE – At 2:52 a.m. on June 12, 2023, while conducting routine business checks, officer Matthew Tapp observed a 2021 Hyundai Kona with New Jersey registration parked in the parking lot of East Coast Flags. Officer Tapp recognized that the business is typically closed at this time and vehicles are normally not parked in the lot overnight. Officer Tapp further investigated the suspicious vehicle and found it to be reported stolen from a residence in Lakewood on June 11, 2023. The vehicle was towed, secured, and later processed for evidence by Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.