Three suspects have been charged in a pickpockets ring in Brick, police say.

Brick Township Police Chief David Forrester announced that on June 11, Oswaldo Uribe-Acosta, 35, of Paterson New Jersey, Salvia Beraun-Villanueva, 27, of Paterson, New Jersey, and Oscar Lopez-Salcedo, 58, of Paterson New Jersey, were charged with theft by unlawful taking, theft of property lost/ mislaid, and computer criminal activity.

During the month of May, Officers from the Brick Township Police Department received multiple reports from victims that their wallets and purses had been removed from their person or shopping carts inside retail stores through Brick Township. This was done by a “distraction pickpocket theft.” The female suspect would distract the victim, while one of the male suspects would remove the wallet or purse from the victim’s person or the shopping cart. The suspects would leave the store, then change their clothing/appearance and travel to various stores throughout the town (Trader Joe’s, Target, Best Buy, and Costco) to utilize the stolen credit cards to purchase multiple items. These suspects had committed several other similar incidents throughout the state.

Chief Forrester commends the Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Stafford Township Police Department, Montvale Police Department, and Cherry Hill Police Department for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

“This should serve as a reminder to always check your surroundings while shopping and never leave your belongings unattended while inside retail stores,” police said.