Over the past two weeks, a couple of elderly victims came to Ewing Police to report that they were victims of a scam.  Both of these cases were similar in that they each received a phone call by an individual claiming to be their “grandchild” who indicated that they had been arrested while out of the country (Canada and the Dominican Republic).  The person on the phone then requested that they send money $1,000-$1400 via Western Union so that they can make bail. 

             This is not the first time that we have seen this type of scam in Ewing.  A search of the FBI’s website talks about this type of scam and has labeled it “The Grandparent Scam”.  These types of scams have been around since as early as 2008 but the scam artists have gotten better over time. 

             How the scam works is that the grandparent receives a call from someone claiming to be their “grandchild”.  The “grandchild” will tell some type of story usually involving their travels to another country where they have been arrested for drugs, or have been arrested after being involved in an automobile accident or that they have been robbed.  Sometimes during these calls or during a subsequent call, a second person will get on the phone claiming to be an attorney or public defender representing the “grandchild”.  Either the “grandchild” or the “attorney” will request that the grandparent send a sum of money via Western Union so that they can get bailed out.

             Ewing Police would like to remind individuals that if you receive a call like this, take a moment to find out what is going on before you act.  Attempt to contact the involved grandchild or another family member to help determine if the call is legitimate.  Ask the “grandchild” a personal question that only your grandchild would know the answer to.  Be suspicious of any request to send money overseas based on a phone call or email.  If you have any questions regarding a possible scam, contact your local police department before sending the money.  Once you send the money, even via a wire transfer, you can’t get it back.

             If you have fallen for one of these scams, contact your local police department to file a report.  In addition, you should report the scam to IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) at www.IC3.gov. 

             For more information on “The Grandparent Scam” visit the FBI’s website at http://www.fbi.gov/sandiego/press-releases/2012/beware-of-the-grandparent-scam

 

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     Ewing Police Officer Chris Boller gives Christopher LaBaw, Jacob Janel and Alex LaBaw “tickets” for wearing their helmets while skateboarding, biking and rollerblading.  These tickets are part of the “Think Positive” Program which rewards children for wearing their helmets while participating in a wheeled activity.  The tickets may be redeemed for pizza, soft pretzels, ice cream, yogurt or sandwiches. 

    The Think Positive Program is collaborative initiative with the Ewing Township Police Department, St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center, the lead organization of the Mercer County Chapter of Safe Kids, and the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey.   The program reinforces the importance of prevention and helmet safety through a positive reinforcement approach.  Each year in the United States, approximately 200,000 children are hospitalized due to brain injury sustained on bicycles, skateboards, scooters and skates.  Even a mild brain injury, a concussion, can have significant consequences throughout the individual’s lifetime.  Research show a properly worn helmet is the single most effective safety device available to reduce brain injury and death by as much as 88% (Dr. C. Everett Koop).

     Local businesses donating the rewards are Philly Pretzel Factory, Red Star Pizza, Haley’s Homemade Sandwiches, McDonald’s, Yo-Licious Twist Frozen Yogurt, and RJ’s Café, all in Ewing Township. 

For more information, contact Jane Millner at 609-896-9500, ext. 2215.

 

 

    Two Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) have been detonated in Ewing Township.  Neither of these detonations have caused injury or property damage as of yet but the Ewing Police Department wants to emphasize the fact that these devices are dangerous, with the potential to cause severe injury and death. 

     It is our belief that juveniles, probably in the West Trenton Area, are responsible for these detonations.  Parents should be talking with their children about the dangers of these devices and staying on top other their children’s activities.  Parents should take note of any missing duct tape, bleach, liquid drain cleaners and any other household chemicals. Residents who reload their own ammunition should take careful inventory of their stock and note any missing powder.  We urge you to check your households for illegal fireworks, this includes sparklers. 

     If you find a suspicious device or devices, do not touch and immediately call 9-1-1.  Examples of suspicious devices include those that may be wrapped in duct tape, pipes with end caps on each side, fuses sticking out, bottles with liquids that seems not to belong in that type of bottle,  bottles that seem to be expanded from pressure, etc.  Please do not touch these items as they could detonate by any movement.  Anyone with information about these devices should call Dsg. John Stemler at 609-882-1313 ext 5575. 

     REMINDER: If you find a suspicious device CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

 

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

 

 

    Our Community has been experiencing an increase in burglaries to residences, businesses and vehicles.  They are happening at all times and every day of the week.  We are asking residents to call the police department if they observe any suspicious people or unusual activity.

 

Report Suspicious Activity

9-1-1 for Emergencies

609-882-1313 for Prompt Police Service

 

  If you have information in which you would like to share about

some recent crimes you can call our

Tip Line at 609-882-7530

and leave a message.

 

 

(Click below for tips on burglary prevention)

 

 

JURY DUTY SCAM WARNING from the FBI

     This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below).  It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. The caller claims to be a Jury Duty Coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the Scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo, your identity was just stolen.  The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado , AZ and more. This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their websites, warning consumers about the fraud.

 

Check it out here:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm

 

DO YOU NEED DISASTER ASSISTANCE?

 

 

Click on the symbol above to visit their webpage.

 

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The Ewing Police Department is looking

for a few good men and women to become

School Crossing Guards.

 

Minimum Requirements

·        18 years of age or older;

·        A citizen and resident of New Jersey;

·        Being sound in body and good health;

·        Having good moral character; and

·        Having not been convicted of any criminal

         offense involving moral turpitude.

 

What You Receive

·        Two hours of training;

·        Twenty hours of Field Training Time;

·        Safety Vest;

·        Hat; and

·        Badge.

Salary and Times

·        One hour in the morning;

·        One hour in the afternoon;

·        $32.00 a day;

 

If you are interested in applying for a position

please contact our Traffic Unit at 609-882-1313 ext. 7013 or 5565.

 

(Click here for a printable flyer)

 

 

 

 

 

The Jacobs Creek Bridge on Bear Tavern Road

is closed until further notice.