2 Charged With Shoplifting May Have Missed Big Night

Watchung Police took two 18-year-old North Plainfield residents into custody May 31, after employees said they each tried to take razor blades, toiletries and condoms, valued at $25.24, without paying.

Jonathan Hernandez and Michael Barrera were both charged with shoplifting the items at 6:26 p.m., and Hernandez faces an additional charge of obstruction for providing a false name.

They were released after posting bail, pending appearances in municipal court.

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In other investigations:

Police investigated a report by loss prevention employees at the reported a man attempted to make fradulent purchases totaling nearly $1,175 with a Sears credit card at 2:38 p.m. May 30. When confronted, the man fled the store. 

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Police are investigating the theft of a 70-can box of baby formula and a black handbag, valued at $412.64, from the at about noon on May 31, after a couple shoplifted the items and left in a white, 1997 Dodge Ram pickup truck.

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Watchung police are also investigating the theft of clothing from the by two women, reported by store loss prevention personnel at 7:05 p.m. June 2.

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Luis Rodrigues, 62, of Newark, was charged with shoplifting merchandise valued at $120 from the Sears store at about 3 p.m. June 4. He was released after posting $150 bail.