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

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.

Just a reminder that our next public meeting will be:

Monday, November 15, 2010, 7:00PM
Hazel Avenue School

The WO Police Department will provide an update regarding the recent home burglaries and other incidents in the Valley area.
Also, WO Tax Assessor will be on-hand to answer questions regarding the on-going revaluation process.

We hope to see you there. Thank you for your support.

The West Orange Police Department, Community Services Unit and the West Orange Elks Lodge #1590, invites all West Orange children ages 8 – 14 years of age to a Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, May 15th, at the Washington Street School, 289 Main Street. (more…)

On Saturday, April 17, we had a great turnout of more than 20 students from Hazel Avenue School and 5 students from Seton Hall Prep as well as parents and West Orange police officers. We spent the morning planting flowers, picking up garbage, and cleaning up our neighborhood. A huge thank you to everyone who participated especially the West Orange Police Department, Nick Salese, Clean Communities Coordinator for the Township and Rose De Sena, Director of the Neighborhood Preservation program for their support and participation on the Clean Up event.

Public Session:
Monday, Dec 14th. 7pm
Municial Courtrooon, 66 Main Street

A team of assessors from the Commission on the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive on December 12 to examine the West Orange Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

(more…)