JACKSON – Two New York men have been arrested and charged for shoplifting after stealing a large amount of merchandise from the Jackson Premium Outlets, police said.
Recently, the Jackson Premium Outlets has been on high alert with officers due to the several shoplifting incidents that have occurred. According to the Jackson Township Police Department, they have been conducing high visibility and plain clothes details in the area in attempt to identify those who travel to the Outlets specifically to shoplifting.
Police have said that in most cases, investigating these incidents are problematic due to a corporate policy of reporting stolen merchandise hours or days later.
However, on June 15, officers were able to catch two men red handed after they saw them shoplift from the Nike store.
Investigation revealed that the two suspects were in possession of improvised devices that were used to defeat store’s security measures. They also had a large amount of merchandise that was later discovered stolen from multiple stores in the Outlets.
The suspects, Alfred Miller, 33, of Cambria Heights, NY, and DeShawn Reid, 32, of Mount Vernon, NY, were both placed under arrest.
Miller was charged with shoplifting, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools and being the leader of an organized retail theft enterprise. He was also discovered to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was processed and later lodged at the Ocean County Jail.
Reid was charged with shoplifting, conspiracy and possession of burglar tools. He was processed and later lodged at the Ocean County Jail.
A 2006 Lincoln Zephyr that the two had used in the incident was seized pending further investigation and potential forfeiture proceedings.
“As call volume and other investigations permit, detectives and patrol officers will continue to conduct these details to take action and make arrests as warranted to discourage others from traveling to Jackson Township to engage in criminal activity,” Captain Steve Laskiewicz said.
Residents can assist by contacting police headquarters at 732-928-1111 to report suspicious activity so it can be investigated.
The public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
