finediony New Jersey news: robberies

Thursday, January 19, 2012

PSE&G warns of attempted robberies

Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness NewsELWOOD PARK, N.J. (WABC) -- Officials report two men posing as PSE&G workers went door to door Monday afternoon in Elwood Park.

They claimed they needed the check for frozen pipes.

The would-be robbers tried to get older residents to let them in.

The utility company has this advice: residents should always ask to see ID before opening their door.

And the card should have the company logo, the worker's photo and employee number.

Even then, homeowners can ask the worker to wait.

In Monday's case, the robbers targeted Augusta Drive, the Boulevard and Kipp Ave.

Although one of the victims did let the men in, thankfully nothing was taken.

No one was robbed.

These are called diversion burglaries where one man distracts while the other steals.

For more information please contact PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734.

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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Arrest in Craigslist robberies

Dawud Q. Abdul-Latif, 24, of Irvington (WABC Photo)

Eyewitness NewsIRVINGTON (WABC) -- An arrest has been made in connection with a string of Craigslist robberies in Irvington, New Jersey

Police arrested Dawud Q. Abdul-Latif, 24, of Irvington at 6:05 Tuesday morning without incident at his home during the execution of a search warrant.

In three separate incidents, individuals responding to advertisements on Craigslist were allegedly robbed by Abdul-Latif who was armed with a large caliber handgun.

On May 7, 2011, Abdul-Latif allegedly carjacked a victim, commandeered the man's 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, after arranging to meet with him on Craigslist.

On May 19, 2011 Abdul-Latif allegedly robbed another victim of his wallet, $100 in cash and his cell phone. The same day, Abdul-Latif allegedly robbed a third victim of his wallet and $20 while armed with a handgun.

The victims were responding to an advertisement for a 2001 blue four-door Honda Civic being sold for $2,100.

The suspect lured them to a vacant house at the end of a dead-end street then robbed them at gunpoint.

Abdul-Latif faces carjacking, robbery and weapons offenses.

Bail was set at $300,000.

The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office at 1-877-847-7432.

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