Power Tools, Equipment Stolen From Manahawkin Business: Police

STAFFORD, NJ — Two were charged after thousands of dollars worth of cordless power tools and equipment were stolen from a shed and trailer on East Bay Avenue, Stafford police said.

A local landscaping company that rents a yard in Manahawkin reported the burglary on Nov. 16, police said. Surveillance footage showed the suspects on the property along with their white Jeep Patriot, according to police.

The next day, at about 9 a.m., police were told that the suspects had returned to the property.

Matthew Clinton, 38, and Stephanie M. Johansen, 34, were taken into custody, police said. The two were towing a trailer with a stolen license plate from a boat trailer located at a marina in Lacey, according to police.

Investigation led officers to Little Egg Harbor, where some of the stolen property was found and returned to the landscaping company, police said.

Clinton was charged with burglary, theft and possession of stolen property. He was taken to Ocean County Jail pending an appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

Johansen was charged with possession of stolen property and released pending an appearance in Stafford Township Municipal Court.