Customer Tricks Cashier, Pockets $700 In Westfield: Blotter

WESTFIELD, NJ — A customer at a Westfield business reportedly tricked a cashier and stole $700, said police.

On Jan. 31 at 4:18 p.m., a retailer on the 200 block of East Broad Street in the Westfield Central Business District reported that someone walked into their store the previous day and purchased $960.31 worth of merchandise.

The person paid in $20s and using a sleight of hand technique, distracted the cashier and managed to pocket around $700, leaving around $280 with the cashier, according to the police blotter.

The discrepancy was noticed after the fact when counting cash register totals, said police.

The suspect was described as a larger man with a beard, possibly of Indian descent, and over six feet tall.

Westfield Police Blotter – Jan. 26 to Feb. 1:

On Jan. 26 at 1:47 p.m.: Larry A. Hill, 46, Plainfield, was arrested on the strength of an outstanding warrant out of Mountainside Municipal Court for $1,000 following a motor vehicle stop on Central Avenue near Washington Street. Hill was processed roadside and released on his own recognizance pending a court appearance at the Mountainside Municipal Court.

On Jan. 28 at 10 a.m.: A representative from a business on the 800 block of Central Avenue reported an alleged act of fraud. On several dates in December, an unknown person cashed checks with this business four times totaling $10,000 in fraudulent withdrawals.

On Jan. 31 at 12:28 p.m.: A property owner in the 200 block of Ross Place reports they were a victim of criminal mischief to their property. The resident reports damage to a wood barrier in their basement that was discovered. The property owner did not provide the cost of the damage or cost to replace the wood barrier.

On Jan. 31 at 9:44 p.m.: Officer Forcenito conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Central Avenue and East Broad Street for a traffic violation. Further investigation revealed that the driver and registered owner of the vehicle, Patrick Cassidy, 35, Westfield, had a $225 active, confirmed traffic warrant out of Jersey City Municipal Court. Subsequently, Cassidy was released on his own recognizance by the Jersey City Municipal Court and given a court date.

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