Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Warn of Orange & Rockland Utilities Gift Card Scam

Published

9 months ago

February 6, 2026

RAMAPO, N.Y. — The Ramapo Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers pose as representatives from Orange & Rockland Utilities and pressure victims into making immediate payments.

Police say they have received multiple reports over the past week from residents who were contacted by scammers claiming there was an overdue utility bill on their account. The callers allegedly demanded payment using gift cards and warned that electric or gas service would be shut off if payment was not made right away.

Authorities emphasized that these claims are false.

Orange & Rockland Utilities does not demand payment through gift cards, nor does the company threaten immediate service shutoffs during unsolicited phone calls, officials said.

Residents who receive suspicious calls are advised to hang up and verify the status of their account by contacting the utility company directly using the official phone number listed on their bill or on the company’s website.

Police expressed concern that scammers are exploiting cold weather conditions and using fear to pressure residents into acting quickly. Officials urged residents to remain alert and to share the warning with family members, neighbors, and vulnerable individuals, including seniors.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to report the incident to the Ramapo Police Department or your local police department.

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Join No-Shave November to Support Cancer Awareness 2026

Published

2 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents may notice a few more beards among the officers of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department this November, and it’s all for a good cause.

The department announced that officers are participating in No-Shave November, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

With approval from Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board and the Chief of Police, participating officers will be putting down their razors for the month while supporting the charitable initiative.

Each participating officer will also make a personal donation to help support the effort.

The department encourages residents not to be surprised if they see officers sporting some extra facial hair throughout November, noting that it’s not a change in grooming standards but rather a way to show support for an important cause.

No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair growth while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

Police/Fire/EMS

Chestnut Ridge Middle School Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation October 29, 2026

Published

5 days ago

October 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Students and staff were evacuated from Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a reported bomb threat, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. Students and staff were safely evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with a search of the school. Explosive detection K-9 units from the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office participated in the search.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit also assisted at the scene.

No explosive devices were found during the search, police confirmed.

Emergency personnel from the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also staged at an off-site location and remained ready to respond if needed.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.