Shoplifters Use ‘Booster Bags’ To Steal $10K In Items, Arrested Near GWB: Port Authority

Port Authority police arrested four suspects near the George Washington Bridge on Saturday after they allegedly used “booster bags” to steal more than $10,000 in merchandise, authorities say.

According to the Port Authority of NY/NJ, officers allegedly witnessed a 2005 Honda Pilot with four occupants change lanes without signaling around 7:15 p.m. just before the lower level toll plaza of the northbound George Washington Bridge.

Police said that after pulling the car over, the officers spoke with the driver, who was allegedly unable to provide any documents such as a registration or an insurance card and told officers that he didn’t know the name of the vehicle’s legal owner.

After police told the car’s occupants to exit the vehicle, the officers found multiple large shopping bags containing several items of clothing with anti-theft devices still attached, including sneakers, slacks and a $1,200 leather jacket. The total value of the items was estimated at $10,800, police said.

None of the suspects could produce a receipt for any of the merchandise, police stated.

Authorities said that the confiscated shopping bags were lined with metal tape and outfitted as “booster bags” that could potentially defeat a store’s anti-theft devices.

Police charged each suspect, Reinier F. Noriega, 24, of the Bronx, NY, . Leticia Diaz, 54, of Woodside, NY, Elkin A. Paredes Reina, 33, of Jackson Heights, NY, and Alexis R. Valenzuela Diaz, 34, of Jackson Heights, NY, with Receiving Stolen Property and Possession of Anti-Shoplifting Device.

File Photo: Flickr Commons