Township of Washington Logo

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON POLICE
DEPARTMENT 0F PUBLIC SAFETY
350 Hudson Avenue, Township of Washington
County of Bergen – New Jersey 07676
Phone # 201-664-1140
Fax # 201-664-2959
WWW.WASHTWPPOLICE.ORG
Chief of Police – John Calamari
Director – James Giblin

scarf

 

On Tuesday October 22, 2024 at approximately 12:00 PM, an Off Duty Washington Township Police Officer observed a Tan Toyota Camry bearing a Pennsylvania registration stopped on Washington Avenue with its hazard lights on.  The Officer observed a male party exit the vehicle, run to the front porch of the residence where the individual picked up a package, and then ran back to the vehicle with the package in hand.  The vehicle started to leave the area however the Off Duty Officer already alerted on duty Township Officers who located the vehicle and stopped it on the Garden State Parkway Southbound on-ramp.  During the motor vehicle stop, in plain sight Officers observed an open package which belonged to the Township Resident in which the Toyota was initially stopped in front of.  The package contained an Apple iPhone 16.  Due to the observations of our Off Duty Officer the Township Of Washington Police department charged both Mr. Yan Maikol Fulgencio Soriano and Mr. Anyelo Sepulveda-Lara with 2C:20-3A (Theft of Movable Property – 3rd Degree).
Criminal Charges and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
 
The Township of Washington Police want to remind you that these “Porch Pirates” seem to be targeting electronics specifically.  These incidents seem to increase during the Holiday season.  The Township of Washington Police Department wants to share the following tips with you for making your packages/home less vulnerable:
  • Track your deliveries so you know when packages will arrive. Many online retailers offer notifications and tracking information to keep you updated
  • Have your package delivered to the home of a relative/neighbor or friend that you know will be home.
  • Have your package held at your local post office for pickup
  • If you can try to schedule your shipment for when you are home
  • Take advantage of “Ship to Store” option that many stores offer
  • Request that your package has signature confirmation upon delivery
  • Consider installing a video doorbell or security system that provides a view of your porch so you know when items are delivered