Somerset Woman Found With $600 in Merchandise from Lord & Taylor

A Somerset resident was charged with shoplifting and defiant trespassing when she was allegedly being found with merchandise after being told not to come back to the store after an incident in 2003.

Linda Balestrieri, 51, was charged with shoplifting and defiant trespassing, a petty disorderly persons charge, after she was caught in the store at 2:07 p.m. Aug. 25.

According to Bridgewater Township Sgt. Luke Daley, Balestrieri was recognized as the same individual who was told not to return to the store after an incident in 2003.

Daley said she was stopped for shoplifting at that time as well, and was told not to come back, which is why she was charged with defiant trespassing.

As for the August incident, police said Balestrieri was allegedly found with $634.98 worth of merchandise from the store.

Police are also investigating two reports of theft between Aug. 29 and Aug. 30.

According to police, a Hillsborough resident reported around 6:35 p.m. Aug. 29 that someone entered his unlocked vehicle while it was parked at 135 Promenade Boulevard, and removed several items, including a GPS unit.

A township resident also reported at 3:40 p.m. Aug. 30 that someone stole a 2x2 metal storm drain from Gilbride Road.

The theft, police said, occurred between 7 a.m. and 3:40 p.m.