Scotch Plains Package Thief Arrested: Police

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — An alleged package thief was caught in the act and arrested by Scotch Plains Police on Monday.

Scotch Plains detective bureau set up surveillance in an area of the township after numerous thefts of packages were being reported from residents' front steps in the last week.

On Monday, Dec. 17 Detective Brad Belford noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area, followed the vehicle and witnessed the driver, later identified as Tajir H. Hurdle, 25, of Plainfield, approach a house on Clydesdale Road.

Hurdle then reportedly took a package from the front steps and tried to leave the area. A traffic stop was conducted with help from Capt. Paul Belford and Patrolman Rich Sopko, and Hurdle was arrested.

He was transported back to headquarters and charged with theft and held on outstanding warrants out of Cranford and the Union County Sheriff's Department.

After booking procedures, Hurdle was transported to the Union County Jail.

(Image via Renee Schiavone/Patch Staff)

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