Brick police have arrested and charged a township man with stealing cars from the Lanes Mill Road Wawa parking lot, then using the cars to drive to stores where he would shoplift items.
Terence P. Rush, 43, of Burnt Tavern Road, is facing two counts of motor vehicle theft and three counts of shoplifting, according to Sgt. Henry Drew.
An investigation by township police revealed that Rush stole the vehicles from the Wawa parking lot on March 31 and April 4, then went to the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store on Route 70 where he shoplifted items, Drew said.
After taking the items, Rush would go to a pawn shop to exchange them for cash, Drew said, then abandon the vehicles in different areas of Lakewood.
Judge Robert Lepore set Rush's bail at $60,000 cash.
"The investigation is continuing and additional charges and arrests are anticipated," said Drew.
Anyone who believes that they may have additional information relating to the incidents is being asked to contact Detectives Gregory Mullarkey at 732-262-1122 or Detective Daniel Waleski at 732-262-1170. They can also contact the Brick Police directly at 732-262-1100.
In light of the car thefts, Drew said, Brick police are reminding residents not to leave their vehicles unattended.
"During these recent thefts, the cars taken were left unlocked and running in front of the establishments," Drew said. "Simply locking your vehicle and removing the keys can prevent many of these types of incidents."
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