Woman's Sob Story Fails After Stealing from Hoboken ShopRite

Around 7:56 AM on July 28, 2025, Officers Arturo Gonzalez and Ramon Estrella with the Hoboken Police Department responded to a report of a shoplifting at ShopRite on 900 Madison Street. Officer Gonzalez first arrived and walked upstairs to the loss prevention office. He immediately made contact with the alleged shoplifter, who was identified as Lucrecia Figueroa. Lucrecia attempted to give the loss prevention employee a sob story, but he was not sold on it.

A receipt printout of all the items that Lucrecia attempted to steal indicated that the total value of unpaid items was approximately $300. Shortly afterwards, Officer Estrella placed Lucrecia under arrest for shoplifting. Lucrecia was handcuffed and escorted to the patrol car. Officer Estrella transported her to the Hoboken Police Department for further processing. She was charged with shoplifting under 2C:20-11B(2) and released pending her court appearance.

Court records indicate that Lucrecia had previously been arrested for shoplifting in Clifton, New Jersey on June 8, 1997.

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