Two men were arrested in connection to an alleged theft operation when New Jersey police officers discovered the possible large-scale theft of retail merchandise.
The theft operation was discovered by the Cargo Theft Unit, which is part of the New Jersey Police. The suspects allegedly possessed stolen goods worth approximately $450,000 that were taken from a distribution center for department stores. The merchandise included, but was not limited to, designer clothes, bedding and perfume.
The investigation into a theft pattern started around October 2010. The theft pattern was identified by one of the retail stores. The two suspects were identified after an investigation by law enforcement officials.
The theft operation allegedly involved one of the suspects who worked at the distribution center. The suspect who worked at the distribution center was able to identify items that were misdirected. Misdirected items are commonly referred to as items accidently shipped to stores. The identified items were allegedly then picked up in a rental truck by the other suspect. The second suspect was accused of then selling the items at flea markets.
The police unit that discovered the theft operation executed search warrants for several self-storage units, which is where the items were discovered. The suspect who worked at the distribution center has been charged with theft in the second degree. This suspect has been released and has a future court hearing.
The second suspect who sold the items at flea markets also faces charges of theft in the second degree and an additional charge of receiving stolen property in the second degree. This suspect was released and has a future court hearing.
Source: mycentraljersey.com, “State Police arrest 2, foil major theft ring,” March 29, 2012