Two individuals are facing charges after authorities say they stole more than $16,000 worth of merchandise from a major shopping center in Paramus.
According to police, the suspects were taken into custody Friday evening following reports of suspicious activity at Westfield Garden State Plaza. Officers were initially alerted to a potential shoplifting incident at the Alo Yoga store inside the mall.
After responding to the scene, officers stopped a Mazda SUV near the shopping center. During the stop, police say they discovered a foil-lined bag inside the vehicle. The type of bag, often referred to as a “booster bag,” is allegedly designed to block store security sensors and help conceal unpaid merchandise.
Authorities reported that the bag contained items believed to be taken from multiple retailers within the mall. Among the recovered merchandise were designer sunglasses from Prada, handbags from Coach, and apparel from Calvin Klein.
The total estimated value of the merchandise exceeded $16,000, officials said.
Both individuals have been charged with possession of stolen property as well as possession of an anti-shoplifting device. The investigation remains ongoing.
