NJ Man Stole Packages Off Porch, Shoplifted 10 Toothpaste Tubes, Cops Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A man has been arrested after he was discovered to be stealing packages off porches and shoplifting nearly $60 worth of toothpaste in Passaic County, police said.

Michael Benedek, 27, of Paterson, was arrested on Monday following an investigation into several thefts around Haledon.

The investigation began on Feb. 3 when police received a report of delivered packages being stolen from outside a Post Street residence. Police were given a description of the suspect, which was sent to several members of the Haledon Police Department.

Investigators soon identified Benedek as the package thief, officials said.

On Monday, authorities responded to a report of a shoplifting incident at the Haledon Walgreens on Belmont Avenue. Police say a masked man wearing all black, later identified as Benedek, was stealing from the drug store.

Authorities searched near the Walgreens and later found Benedek hiding behind a residence on Kossuth Street, officials said.

Benedek was arrested, and authorities found ten tubes of stolen toothpaste in his backpack, according to police.

The stolen merchandise, worth $58.54, was returned to Walgreens.

Police added that Benedek admitted to two previous shoplifting offenses at the same Walgreens.

He was issued several theft-related charges and was also found to have an outstanding $1,000 warrant out of Elmwood Park for theft, authorities said.

Benedek was turned over to Elmwood Park Police to await court proceedings.