Shoplifters Strike at Home Depot, Sears

Shoplifters may have been looking to make some home improvements and wardrobe upgrades last week.

Watchung police said two reports of shoplifting at Home Depot were made Sunday, with James Minus of Newark and Sergio Oliveira of Roselle Park taken into custody on two separate incidents. 

Oliveira, 42, was taken into custody at 12:56 p.m. after the store's loss prevention staff reported seeing him attempt to leave the store with $175.50 worth of electrical wire that wasn't paid for, police said. He was released pending an appearance in municipal court after the charge was filed.

Minus, 49, was charged with shoplifting two five-gallon buckets of paint, valued at $440, at 4:21 p.m. He was released after the charge was filed, pending an appearance in municipal court.

Police also responded to three shoplifting reports by Sears personnel, including charges filed against Alexandra Montesdeocatirado, 24, of Plainfield, who allegedly tried to conceal $477.78 worth of clothing at 8:24 p.m. July 13.

On July 11, Watchung police took Tanairi Estrella, 27, of Hillside, into custody after Sears employees reported seeing her place merchandise valued at $76 in her purse before attempting to exit the store at 3:14 p.m., police said.

And on July 15, police charged Diane Weinberg, 59, Westfield, with taking a purse and jewelry, valued at $60.98, from the store at 12:19 p.m.

Weinberg, Estrella and Montesdeocatirado were all released after their charges filed, pending appearances in municipal court.