Suspects Nabbed in Bling Grabs

Four men have been arrested on charges of stealing 26 necklaces or purses from people walking around New Brunswick.   

According to a press release from the New Brunswick Police Department, the thefts have been occurring over the last two and a half months in the neighborhoods bordered by Livingston Avenue to Somerset Street and Delavan Street to Townsend Street. 

The suspects allegedly approached victims on the street, snatched their jewelry or purses and ran away, several times by getting into vehicles, according to the release. 

Jsavior Riley, 30, of New Brunswick, has been charged with with Robbery; Gregory Bates, 29, of Old Bridge, has been charged with Receiving Stolen Property; Donte Dowdell, 18, of Somerset, has been charged with three counts of Theft and three counts of Conspiracy to Commit Theft; and Kyle Wade, 19, of Somerset, has been charged with Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Theft, according to the release.

Several victims reported being shoved to the ground or pushed during the thefts, but no serious injuries were reported, according to the release. 

Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call Detective Dave Smith or Detective Drew Weiss at 732-745-5217.