Cops: Woman Stole Christmas Decorations in Gloucester Township

A Turnersville woman has been charged with stealing Christmas decorations and lawn ornaments from homes in Gloucester Township, Gloucester Township Police announced Monday afternoon.

Jeanette P. Montanez, 47, was charged with two counts of theft and two counts of criminal attempt/theft.

On Sunday at about 8:05 p.m., Gloucester Township Police responded to the 400 Block of Dearborne Avenue to investigate a report of a female who was seen taking Christmas decorations and lawn ornaments from a home.

An observant citizen was able to provide a partial vehicle registration for the suspect as the vehicle, a Nissan minivan, fled the area towards the Black Horse Pike.

There was a second theft of decorations at another residence also on the 400 Block of Dearborne Avenue by the same female. Investigating officers were able to identify the vehicle and owner information.

They then contacted the Washington Township Police Department o request they check an address for the vehicle and female suspect.

Washington Township Police located the vehicle on Salem Avenue in Sewell, where Montanez was allegedly hiding the decorations and lawn ornaments in a wooded area at the end of that street.

Washington Township Police ocated the property in the wooded area and later that night located Montanez at a Wawa on Hurffville Road.

She was taken into custody at that time and then turned over to Gloucester Township Police.

After recovering the property, police determined that there were additional theft attempts that occurred earlier in Gloucester Township from Glamis Road and Deborah Place.

The recovered property was returned to the rightful owners and Montanez was turned over to the Gloucester Township Police for complaints.

After being charged, she was released on her own recognizance pending court time and date.

The attached image was provided by Gloucester Township Police.