Franklin NJ police are searching for four suspects who allegedly stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from a local Walmart.
According to detectives, the four suspects walked into the Walmart store on January 4. They allegedly grabbed a shopping cart and began to place a number of expensive items into the cart. The stolen merchandise reportedly included an Xbox One, a Nintendo Wii U, and several video games.
The suspects then allegedly left the store without paying for any of the items they had placed into the shopping cart.
Police have estimated that the total retail value of the stolen merchandise is approximately $2,000.
Additionally, police believe that the four suspects also tried to steal thousands of dollars in merchandise from the same Walmart store just a few days before Christmas. However, on that occasion the suspects were reportedly cut off at the exit by store security guards. According to store employees, the suspects fled the store without any of the stolen items.
The investigation into the most recent theft remains active and ongoing.
If the suspects are eventually identified and apprehended, they would likely be subject to serious criminal charges for shoplifting and theft of movable property. These charges carry significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, theft of movable property valued at $500 or more is classified as a third degree felony. A conviction on third degree theft charges is punishable by a sentence of 3–5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Franklin police recently issued a notice to the media concerning the theft. Police are asking members of the public to contact investigators with any information about the suspects or the alleged theft. Anyone with information should call Franklin NJ detectives at 973-827-7700.
To learn more about this case, view the NJ.com article entitled “Franklin Cops Still Asking: Do You Know These Alleged Shoplifters.”
