On Sunday, February 7, 2021, Lacey Township Police detectives arrested Bernard K. Kappen, 29, of Forked River, after he was observed leaving the rear of a business in the Lacey Business Park.  The investigation on that date revealed that Kappen had driven his vehicle to the isolated area in the rear of the Business Park where he cut and removed a catalytic converter from a vehicle.  The damaged vehicle was owned and utilized by a local business.  Kappen was stopped while exiting the Business Park and found with the stolen catalytic converter in the bed of his vehicle. He was on his way to sell the catalytic converter to a recycling business.

After his arrest, Detectives continued the investigation, which revealed that Bernard Kappen was involved in three additional and previously reported thefts of catalytic converters within Lacey Township.  The thefts included catalytic converters being cut and removed from vehicles parked at a local business, a local marina, and a local church in Lacey Township.  In all instances the vehicles damaged were used by the owners to further operate their businesses or establishments.

On Thursday, February 18, 2021, Lacey Township Detectives arrested Bernard Kappen, charging him with the additional catalytic converters thefts and criminal mischief to the vehicles.  He was transported and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.  Bernard Kappen’s vehicle, which he used to further facilitate his crimes, was seized.

The Lacey Township Police Department recommends all vehicle owners be aware of the increased risk of catalytic converter thefts.  This has become both a nationwide and local issue, due to the high value of the precious metals that the auto parts contain.  Additionally, it is unfortunate that individuals would victimize our local businesses and places of worship during these times of struggle and hardship.  However, the Lacey Township Police Department works tirelessly to protect and serve the residents and businesses within our community.

Residents are asked to report suspicious activity by contacting the Lacey Township Police Department at 609-693-6636. If the matter is an emergency call 911.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.