‘Significant increase in shoplifting’ — 2 charged in Washington Twp., NJ

Authorities in Gloucester County say two South Jersey men known as "frequent shoplifters" have been charged for allegedly stealing lawnmowers from a home improvement store.

The Washington Township Police Department took to Facebook Thursday morning and said, "We’ve experienced a significant increase in shoplifting calls and have made over 30 shoplifting arrests this year."

Lifted from Lowe's in Turnersville, NJ

Yesterday, authorities say they were contacted by workers at the Lowe's store on the Black Horse Pike to report two men had shoplifted Toro lawnmowers valued at $1,200 and they left the store in a maroon-colored van.

Lowe’s reported that the duo are "frequent shoplifters."

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Two WTPD officers located that van near Ganttown Rd. and conducted a motor vehicle stop.

Inside were Ismael Velez of Atlantic City and Heriberto Velez of Camden. They were both placed under arrest for shoplifting and active warrants.

The lawnmowers were returned to Lowe’s and the pair was turned over to the county jail.

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Help NJ Police Stop Shoplifting

Anyone with additional information concerning shoplifting and retail theft in Washington Township can contact police at (856) 589-0330.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.