WAYNE, NJ — A woman stole $2,800 in cash from someone’s purse at Burlington Coat Factory in Wayne, police said Wednesday. Elayne Santana took the money July 23 when a customer left her purse unattended, according to authorities.
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Store security and Officer Daniel McDermott reviewed footage from the shop off the Hamburg Turnpike and saw two people hovering near the victim while she tried on shoes. When the victim stepped away to get more shoes, Santana grabbed the purse while the other seemingly acted as a lookout, police said.
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Santana then discarded the purse in the aisle, and both women proceeded to the register and paid for items with a credit card, authorities said. Upon getting her purse back, the victim noticed an envelope containing $2,800 missing, according to police.
Wayne Police Det. Patrick Wlazel conducted further investigation and subpoenaed records from the store. The records led to a woman who appeared to have taken items from the victim’s purse in the video.
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During an interview with police, Santana admitted she stole cash from the purse.
Santana, 36, of Paterson, was charged with third-degree theft of mislaid property. She was released on a summons.
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