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Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Lacey Township Police Department to protect the lives and property of those who visit, work, or reside in Forked River, Lanoka Harbor, and Bamber Lake, New Jersey. We, as the dedicated members of the Lacey Township Police Department, are committed to working diligently toward reducing criminal activity and victimization while improving the quality of life of the residents we so proudly serve. Our promise is to serve with honor and the highest level of integrity to maintain the public’s confidence in our organization.
Welcome to the Lacey Township Police Department Website
The dedicated members of the Lacey Township Police Department are committed to providing the highest level of service to the community. This includes the use of technology to not only ensure our law enforcement efforts are more efficient and effective, but to also provide the community with convenient services and timely information. You may obtain a motor vehicle accident report, valuable information on identity theft, neighborhood crime alerts, information on the passage of new laws, and much more. Please feel free to browse this website to familiarize yourself with the Lacey Township Police Department and the services available. This site will continue to evolve as additional opportunities to serve you better become available.
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Avoid Energy Company Phone Scams
BE AWARE OF PHONE SCAMS The Lacey Township Police Department is again encouraging residents and business owners to remain vigilant against phone scams. Recently, suspects posing as representatives of JCP&L have contacted residents threatening to shut off power if an immediate payment is not made. The caller directs the victim to provide banking information or to purchase a gift card toward the payment. If your account is past due with JCP&L, you will receive a written notice reminding you of your account status with instructions on how to avoid disconnection of service. An agent of JCP&L might contact a customer who is in the arrears to explain payment options but will not demand immediate payment. JCP&L does not accept prepaid debit cards or wire transfers as payment. Furthermore, JCP&L will not demand banking information or credit card numbers over the phone. Your JCP&L account status can always be verified by calling customer service at 1-800-662-3115. If you believe you are a victim of this scam or any other, residents should report the matter to Lacey Police. Any suspected telephone scam should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
Department Records Bureau Remains Closed
Unfortunately, our Records Bureau will remain closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to reopen in the near future. Thank you for your continued support.
Department News – Lacey Township Police Department – Investigation into Catalytic Converter Thefts Leads to Additional Charges – February 19, 2021
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 [...]
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 12 through February 18, 2021
DUI- On Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 9:05 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department received a report of a male driver slumped over the steering wheel inside a parked vehicle in front of the Dollar Tree, 344 Route 9 North. Upon arrival, Officer Scott Keefe observed the vehicle drive off and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, Franklin Biddar, 32, of Forked River, for DUI. He was processed and later released pursuant to John’s Law. Criminal Mischief- On Sunday, February 14, 2021, at 1:14 a.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to a Tappan Street address for a report of criminal mischief. The victim reported that both rear tires of their vehicle were flat and possibly slashed. The victim reported possible suspects and Officer Copes is continuing the investigation. Criminal Mischief- On Monday, February 15, 2021, at 7:38 p.m., Officer Martin Julian received a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle, which took place in the parking lot of the victim’s place of business on Route 9 in Forked River. The victim reported that someone damaged the vehicle by scratching the exterior panels. The victim reported a possible suspect and Officer Julian [...]
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 4 through February 11, 2021
Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 5:43 p.m., Officers Jason Lee and Brian Holt responded to Walmart for a report of shoplifting. Loss Prevention advised that 34 year-old Nicole Finnica was in custody for not scanning all of her items at the self-checkout. The total theft was $30.39. Finnica was charged with Shoplifting and released on a summons. Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 6:22 p.m., Officers Andrew Slota and Michael Hutman responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter in custody. While there, officers arrested Jennifer Alvarez, 42, after she failed to scan several merchandise totaling $64.72 at the self-checkout. Jennifer was charged and released pending a Court appearance. Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 8:15 p.m., Officers Brian Holt and Anthony Ravallo arrested Tara K. Brown, 34, charging her with shoplifting. Brown failed to scan items valued at $98.91 at Walmart’s self-checkout. Tara was released on her own recognizance pending a Court appearance. Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 8:15 p.m., Officers Randolph Plis, Martin Julian, and SLEO II Chris Triano responded to Walmart for a report of two female shoplifters in custody. Loss Prevention detained Evalise J. Luciano, 20, and Melissa [...]
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 29, 2021 through February 4, 2021
Fire- On Saturday, January 30, 2021, at 6:18 a.m., Officer John Simonson was dispatched to a Heatherington Court residence for an alarm. Members of the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department found that a fire had initiated at the home’s boiler that caused minimal damage. The Ocean County Fire Marshal deemed the fire not suspicious. Arrest- On Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 11:35 a.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. While there, it was determined that a patron, Robert Carsten, Jr., failed to scan merchandise and attempted to exit the store. Carsten, 57, was placed under arrest and later released pending a Court appearance. The items were valued at $52.30. Arrest- On Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 12:17 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio was dispatched to Walmart for a detained shoplifter. Asset Protection reported that a shopper did not scan all of the items to be purchased and attempted to exit the store. Sarah Kroeger, 34, was charged with Shoplifting and released on her own recognizance. The merchandise was valued at $90.25. MVA- On Monday, February 1, 2021, at 6:55 a.m., a Bamber Lake Fire Department vehicle slid in icy conditions and struck a utility pole. The driver [...]