Nutley Police Use Video Footage To Catch Alleged Laptop Thief

Video surveillance footage helped Nutley police identify and apprehend a Clifton man suspected of stealing a laptop computer from the Nutley Wine Shop on Sept. 16.

Police reported that they arrested Joseph Sanangelo, 48, of Clifton, on Thursday.

According to police, the alleged theft took place on Sept. 17, when a male around 40-years-old with brown hair and a receding hair line, wearing a light gray shirt and jean shorts, was seen paying for a purchase in the rear of the store.

Police said that the man was then seen picking up a laptop from the front counter and exiting the store.

The laptop was valued at $500.

After the NPD released photos of the suspect, a Clifton police officer recognized the man as Sanangelo and notified his Nutley counterparts.

Police subsequently arrested Sanangelo in Clifton and charged him with theft.

The allegedly stolen computer was recovered a short time later, police added.

Video surveillance has “become a police officer’s best investigative tool,” Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo said.

“I commend our detectives and the Clifton officer that helped identify Sanangelo,” Nutley Mayor and Police Director Alphonse Petracco said. “It is great the way our agencies work together, and I thank them for their help.”

Photo courtesy of the Nutley Police Department