GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a GPS-tracked bait package deployed by police to combat holiday package thefts.
Officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department had been deploying a bait package at a residential address equipped with GPS tracking technology and kept under surveillance.
On Dec. 31 at approximately 2:20 p.m., the package was stolen from an address in the Erial section of Gloucester Township.
Officers monitored the movement of the package through GPS software until a motor vehicle stop could be safely conducted.
The package was recovered and Brian Pope, 59, of Sicklerville, was taken into custody without incident.
Pope was charged with fourth-degree theft of movable property and released on a criminal summons in accordance with bail reform.
The Gloucester Township Police Department urges residents to remain alert to unusual behavior and immediately report any suspicious activity.
Residents can take preventative steps to safeguard their packages such as prompt retrieval of items, package tracking and secure delivery locations.
