Mayor Robert Parisi and the West Orange Police Department invite you to a community meeting to discuss the recent increase in criminal activities in the Valley and Gregory sections of the township.

The meeting is scheduled for:
Tuesday February 1, 2011
7:00PM
Gregory Elementary School, 301 Gregory Avenue

We encourage all residents to participate and provide your input.

Quoted from the West Orange Patch:

The West Orange Police Department’s Detective Bureau is requesting assistance in identifying two suspects involved in an armed robbery on Samuel Street.

Police said a 16-year-old boy was approached around 7 p.m. Jan. 14 by a thin black man in his early 20s. The man brandished a handgun and fled with the teenager’s cell phone and Bluetooth device. Another man accompanied the armed individual.

The armed suspect is described as black male, approximately 20 years old, with an oval face, black pock marks on his face, medium complexion, about 5’6″, with a thin build. The suspect wore blue jeans hanging low off his waist, a black jacket and black boots. The unidentified black male’s jacket is described as a black field-type jacket with silver buttons on the breast and epaulet.

The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20 years old, wearing a black and red checkered snow vest, with a hood and puffy fur.

Anyone with information is asked to call (973) 325-4020.

West Orange Council of PTAs and the West Orange High School PTA Present an evening of R&B featuring the ever popular bands Souled Out and Total Soul.

Friday January 28, 2011 (Snow Date: February 4, 2011)
Doors Open at 7:30 PM
Showtime 8:00 PM

West Orange High School Auditorium
51 Conforti Avenue, West Orange (Entrance on Pleasant Valley Way)

Tickets $20.00 per person (General Seating)

To order tickets log on to: Showtix4U.com or call 1-866-967-8167

Proceeds from the evening will provide scholarships for West Orange High School graduating seniors and the Summer Enrichment Program for elementary and middle school students.

We were informed by the WOPD that a shooting occurred last night around 1AM on Tompkins St. in the Valley section. The victim, a resident of Orange was shot in the face. The motive is unknown at this time and they are asking that anyone with information contact the police department at 973-325-4000.

The West Orange Patch has coverage here: westorange.patch.com

Think your outdoor holiday decorations are the brightest on the block? Let the battle for bragging rights begin! Share your holiday spirit with the Public Relations Commission:

1. Snap a photo
2. Send it to woholidaydec@hotmail.com
3. Check www.westorange.org daily to see your home featured on the site

Three lucky winners will receive gift certificates to WO-Town restaurants for a night on the town. Contest concludes on December 31st.

Until December 23rd, you can donate new and unwrapped toys at the following locations throughout the West Orange:

Fire Station #1, 415 Valley Road
Fire Station #2, 86 Washington Street
Fire Station #3, Ridgeway Avenue
Fire Station #4, 280 Pleasant Valley Way
Watchung Heights Substation, 92 Washington St.

Image: Lou Angeli

Suspicious Person/Distraction Burglaries

A Beverly Road resident recently reported individuals going door to door and asking residents if they could come inside their homes to check their windows. The suspects reported that they worked for a window company but could not remember the name of the company when asked by the resident.

Please remember to contact the police department immediately if this occurs to them. Soliciting door to door in West Orange is prohibited without a permit. There are a few exceptions to this ordinance. However, this also could be a prelude to a distraction burglary where suspects gain entry to the home under false pretenses. In a distraction burglary, one suspect usually will distract the homeowner with conversation while the other will rummage through the home and take valuables. The victim usually becomes aware of the crime after the suspect leave the residence.

Residence should contact the West Orange Police Department at 973-325-4000 or in emergencies, dial 911 regarding suspicious persons.

The West Orange Patch published an article about the November 16th meeting. The WOPD was on hand to provide news about recent burglaries as well simple safety tips to prevent burglaries.

Read the article by clicking this link.

The West Orange Police Department has informed us that a string of home burglaries have occurred in the vicinity of the South Orange/West Orange border. In some instances, access to the home was gained through an unlocked door while the residents were at home sleeping.

We are asking that ALL residents take the following precautions to prevent becoming the next victim.

1. Make sure all entrance doors to your home are locked at all times.
2. If you have an alarm system, turn it on, even if you leave the house for just a few minutes.
3. If you can, install motion detector lights on all home entrance.
4. Do not leave valuables close to a door or window where they can be seen clearly from outside.

The police department is encouraging all residents to continue reporting any suspicious activities in your area.

For emergencies call 911
For non-emergencies call WOPD at 973-325-4000

The Patch created an interactive map with the details of all the burglaries from Millburn to West Orange.
Read more in The Patch