Shoplifting Cases At South Brunswick Target Have Increased, Police Say

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Shoplifting incidents at the local Target have increased, South Brunswick Police said.

Since April 1, there have been 26 incidents of shoplifting at the Target store on Route 1, resulting in 11 arrests. This coincides with an increase in shoplifting cases across the country, officials said.

Shoplifting is a growing crime both nationally and locally, officials said. During the first six months of the year shoplifting nationwide has increased by 24 percent compared to the same time period in 2023.

In South Brunswick shoplifting has tripled from 18 incidents in the first six months of 2023 to 51 incidents in the first six months of 2024.

Police Chief Raymond Hayducka recognized the efforts of the local Target staff in cracking down on shoplifting.

Officials said there has been no single pattern identified for the shoplifting increase. The incidents appear to be crimes of opportunity with a wide array of items being stolen.

Here are some of the incidents;

• Earlier this month, a 25-year-old New York City man took price tags off of toothbrush holders ($4.00), affixed them to breast pumps ($499), and tried completing the purchase.

• A 40-year-old Princeton man stole candy, Pokemon cards, and a non-working Roomba vacuum that was part of a display.

• A 47-year-old Monmouth Junction man stole clothing by putting it on over the clothes he wore into the store – twice.

• A 64-year-old Monmouth Junction man took a price tag off of an Airheads candy bar and put it on a container of Whey protein.

• An 18-year-old man from Cranbury tried concealing a large LED light in his pants.

Each person arrested was taken to police headquarters. They were photographed, fingerprinted, and given a summons to appear in court. They each face up to a $1,000 fine for shoplifting.

“I want to acknowledge the work being done by Target to stop shoplifting. Target’s loss prevention staff is active and is trying to deter thefts. We want the public to know that these crimes are being prosecuted. Shoplifting costs everyone and we need it to stop,” Hayducka said. “We will continue to crack down on retail theft in coordination with our business community.”

Have a correction or a news tip? Email [email protected]