3 Caught After String Of Distract-And-Grab Thefts In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, NJ — Three people were charged following an extensive investigation into a string of "distract-and-grab" thefts that happened over the past summer in Stafford Township and surrounding areas.

The first incident was July 8, 2023, when a woman told Stafford police there was fraudulent activity on her account, which made her realize that her wallet had been stolen while shopping in Manahawkin, police said.

Police got video surveillance from Walmart and Costco, and an unidentified Hispanic man was named as a suspect, according to a news release.

Another theft was reported on Aug. 4, 2023, from the Costco parking lot, police said.

In this instance, a man put a dollar bill on the ground behind the victim's car, police said. He then tapped on her car window and told her she had dropped money. When the woman got out of the car to grab it, another man opened the passenger door and stole the wallet from her purse, police said. A third suspect acted as lookout. The three then fled before the woman noticed her wallet was stolen, police said.

As Stafford police continued to investigate, similar instances were tracked throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area, police said.

Eventually, the group was identified and stopped in Clarkstown, NY, according to police.

As a result, the following charges were filed:

• Augusto Telle Eche Italo, 39-year-old male from Bronx, NY was charged with theft, burglary, fraudulent use of a credit card, and conspiracy to commit theft.
• Carmen Borilla Raez, 36-year-old female of Elizabeth, was charged with theft, burglary, and conspiracy to commit theft.
• Marco Rodriguez Perez, 59-year-old male of Paterson, was charged with theft, burglary, and conspiracy to commit theft.

Police also shared the following advice to prevent becoming a victim:

• Lock your vehicle all times, even during a quick run into the store.
• Close your purse every time you go into a retail store.
• Carry your purse or wallet on your person; do not place it in the cart.
• If you take a wallet into the store, do not leave it in the cart.
• Consider bringing a carabineer and clip the purse or wallet to the cart.
• If you do not have young children with you, use the child safety belt to fasten your purse in the cart.

All suspicious activity should be reported to the Stafford Police Dispatch Center, 609-597-8581.