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HAVE YOU SEEN HER? Saddle Brook police are seeking the public’s help finding a plus-sized shoplifter who swiped two women’s pocketbooks from shopping carriages at area department stores — one of which contained $500 in cash along with a passport, Social Security card, driver’s license and various credit cards.
“It’s an identity theft nightmare for the victim,” Police Chief Robert Kugler told CLIFFVIEW PILOT this afternoon after his department released images of the suspect.
She struck first at the Walmart on Route 46 around 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, pushing her own cart past another woman’s and, “in a real smooth maneuver,” snatching the unsuspecting victim’s purse, Kugler said.
She continues moving and “non-chalantly” removes credit cards and other contents from the victim’s wallet before discarding it and the purse elsewhere in the store, the chief said.
“Unfortunately, she was savvy enough to closely watch the victim and, as soon as the victim looked the other way, grab the purse,” Kugler said.
The thief struck again the same way a half-hour later at the TJ Maxx, also on Route 46.
The purse contained the $500 and important identification, the cheif said.
ANYONE who knows the suspect or has information that could help the investigation is asked to call Saddle Brook police: (201) 843-7000
“We need to remind all shoppers to never remove your hands from your pocketbook when pushing the carriage,” Kugler added.
“It’s easy to become distracted while shopping. Your eyes may drift,” he told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “But no matter what, you should always hold onto your purse.”
IMAGES: Courtesy SADDLE BROOK PD
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