Thief Sought Job in Store He Stole From, Cops Say

A man was arrested for stealing more than $300 in merchandise from the ShopRite in the Blue Star Shopping Center on Route 22 last Sunday just before he applied for a job at the same business a few hours later, the Watchung Police Department reported.

Harold Williams, of Plainfield, stole razors and shampoo valued at $321 and walked out of the store without making a stop at the cash register, according to the arrest report. He reportedly returned to the Shop Rite at about 6 p.m., filled out an application for employment and was recognized by store manager Paul Lesperance, police said.

Williams was arrested and remanded to Somerset County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail, police said.