Hungry thieves use stolen identities to buy gift cards, junk food, police say

HOWELL — A pair of alleged thieves with a taste for sports drinks and candy bars used eight stolen identities to purchase several gift cards before going on a junk food spending spree, police said.

According to New Jersey State Police, the alleged thefts took place Sept. 29 at the Walmart store on Route 9 in Howell. The two suspects, who were captured on video surveillance cameras, used stolen identities to purchase several store gift cards with a total value of about $1,200, police said in a statement Monday.

Police say the two men first used the gift cards to buy candy bars and Gatorade from the same store where they purchased the cards, before heading down the road to the Chick-fil-A on Route 9 in Howell where they used another fraudulent card.

"They topped off this electrolyte-fueled, sugary smörgåsbord at a fast food restaurant down the road," state police said.

Police say the two men remain at large. they are asking for the public's assistance in locating the alleged suspects and bringing them in for questioning. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Ashley, of NJ State Police Hamilton Station, at 609-584-5000, ext. 5297. Police say they will also welcome anonymous tips.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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