Thieves Steal Fireworks Barge in New Hope, But Fireworks Still On

The New Hope Borough Police Department was dispatched to 170 S. Main Street last weekend to investigate a report of a missing barge that had either broken or was cut free from its’ mooring.

The barge was moored behind the house and not visible from the street. The barge had been secured to a tree with a chain and padlock, and had just been put in place in preparation of the June 3 New Hope and Lambertville fireworks display.

The barge was located by police  just past the New Hope Wing Dam, and it was sinking. The barge drifted through the opening in the wing dam and became lodged on the rocks about 20 feet below the dam. The owner was attempting to recover the barge from the river.

An investigation showed that the chain used to secure the barge was intact, but the lock was missing. Footprints were observed in the mud coming out of the river.

The Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce has offered $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the person who is responsible for cutting the locks to the fireworks barge. Anyone with information should call the New Hope Police at (215) 862 3033 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Representatives from the Lambertville and New Hope Chamber of Commerce say the fireworks will go on as planned this Friday June 3,  at 9:30 p.m.

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.