The suspect in a string of thefts, wearing different wigs. (Photo: TRPD)
A woman known for her creative use of wigs has brought her brand of theft and bank fraud to Toms River, police said, and she’s still at it.
The police department first made a Facebook post asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman earlier this week. Since then, the post has received more than 187,000 views and produced numerous tips. It also led other police departments, including Howell, to realize the same woman may be wanted in their towns.
“She is believed to be an accomplice of a well-organized group that travels the state committing crimes,” said Ralph Stocco, Toms River’s police spokesman.
The woman, and her potential accomplices, are known for breaking into vehicles in public parking lots to remove purses that are readily visible. They then use accomplices to make purchases with stolen credit cards as well as to commit bank fraud.
The mysterious woman who was recently caught on camera has worn several different wigs to help keep authorities from linking her crimes. She has appeared recently in blonde as well as long brown wigs.
She first appeared in Toms River during an incident Jan. 7 during which a suspect smashed the windows of several vehicles while residents walked their children to nearby school bus stops. Similar incidents, likely involving the same woman, have occurred in Mays Landing, Hammton Township, Little Egg Harbor and Wall Township, in addition to Toms River and Howell.
The woman is driving a gray Nissan mini-van and may reside out of the immediate area, Stocco said. Anyone with information should contact Detective Mark Bajada at 732-349-0150 extension 1241 or mbajada@trpolice.org.
