Police report: Feb. 25 burglary under investigation; borough to hire two officers

Councilman Benigni summarized police activity and staffing. He reported a residential burglary on Feb. 25 on Pinehill Road in which suspects removed a first-floor bathroom windowpane and appear to have stolen jewelry and a laptop; the matter is under investigation by the Bergen County Sheriff's Department and no arrests had been made at the time of the meeting.

Benigni also reported damaged crosswalk signs at Washington Avenue (a trailer apparently hit a cable that took down the signs) and said the borough will submit the claim to the Joint Insurance Fund for expected reimbursement (estimate cited was about $3,300). He said two new press-to-walk flashing school-crossing signs were delivered and will be installed pending county approval. On staffing he reported the police had received nine to ten applicants for an open position and later confirmed the department will hire two officers from the current batch, which should help reduce overtime costs.

"On February 25, a residential burglary was reported ... suspects removed a window pane from the 1st Floor bathroom to gain entry into the home," Benigni said. He described outreach to the JIF on the sign replacement and said the new Charger vehicle has been upfitted and will be placed into service soon.