BRICK – Three people from Paterson were charged with stealing from shoppers in stores using a “distraction pickpocket theft.”
Oswaldo Uribe-Acosta, 35, Salvia Beraun-Villanueva, 27, and Oscar Lopez-Salcedo, 58, were charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft of property lost/ mislaid, and computer criminal activity.
Brick Police said one suspect would distract the victim while another suspect would steal wallets and purses from the victim’s shopping cart or even off their person. The suspects would leave the store, change their clothing and hit the next store. There, they would buy things with stolen credit cards.
These crimes took place in May, police said. The above suspects also had performed the same thefts at other shopping centers throughout the state.
Chief David Forrester commended the Detective Bureau, Stafford Police, Montvale Police, and Cherry Hill Police for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
Police reminded shoppers to always be aware of your surroundings while shopping and never leave your belongings unattended.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
