Serial Shoplifter Arrested at ShopRite in Hoboken

Around 4:36 PM on August 31, 2023, officers from the Hoboken Police Department were dispatched to a report of a shoplifting that had occurred at ShopRite at 900 Madison Street. Officer Christopher Barral and Officer Dominick Allegretta responded to this call and made contact with the accused shoplifter, who was identified as 28-year-old Alexandra Zalewski. Alexandra was being detained by store employees in the loss prevention office. Officer Barral asked the loss prevention manager if they wished to press charges, and he responded in the affirmative. Store management even told the officers that she had shoplifted from this store on previous occasions and they had the surveillance footage to prove it.

The loss prevention officer had a printout itemizing the total value of the items that Alexandra attempted to steal. He told the officers that Alexandra had went to the checkout and only paid for some of the items, while concealing other items in a reusable shopping bag. Alexandra was stopped the loss prevention officer as she attempted to leave the store. Store management also had surveillance footage showing prior incidents of shoplifting involving the same individual in that particular ShopRite store.

The total value of the stolen items was around $106, based on what was revealed in the body worn camera footage. Officer Barral placed Alexandra in handcuffs and transported her to the Hoboken Police Department for processing. At the police station, Alexandra was fingerprinted, photographed, and charged with 1 count of shoplifting merchandise under $200 (2C:20-11B(2)). After Alexandra was processed at the Hoboken Police Department, she was released with a summons to appear in court.

The police report indicated that Alexandra resides in a luxury apartment building near this ShopRite in Hoboken with advertised monthly rents ranging from a minimum of $3,288 and a maximum of $13,705.

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