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Police: Suspect Ripped Off Merchandise From Sporting Goods Stores Around N.J.

WAYNE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A Nutley man was arrested after authorities allege he committed more than 28 "snatch and grab" thefts at sporting goods and apparel stores statewide.

A Nutley, New Jersey man has been charged with committing more than 28 snatch-and-grab thefts around the state.

Wayne, New Jersey police arrested Anthony Cervino, 43, on Wednesday, allegedly after he was caught in the act of committing a theft in Parsippany, police told CBS2.

On Oct. 15, police were called to the Ski Barn at 1308 Route 23 North after an employee told police a man had grabbed several North Face jackets worth $2,800 in all and left, accoridng to a NorthJersey.com report.

He drove off in a blue Toyota 4Runner sport-utility vehicle, the newspaper reported.

Wayne police alerted law enforcement in other jurisdictions and retailers. Sports Authority representatives reported several thefts in their stores involving North Face jackets and the same vehicle, the newspaper reported.

Police later identified Cervino, and this past Wednesday, they followed him from the Newark and East Orange area to a Dick's Sporting Goods in the Rockaway Townsquare mall in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, police told the newspaper. Police went on to follow Servino to a Modell's Sporting Goods in Parsippany, where he walked out with Nike hoodies, the newspaper reported.

Cervino was arrested before getting back in his vehicle, police told the newspaper. He was charged in Wayne with the Oct. 15 in Wayne and his bail was set at $20,000, and Paramus and East Brunswick police have also issued charges, the newspaper reported.

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