The incident was caught on surveillance camera and posted to Facebook. Police say that lead to an arrest Watch video
WOODBRIDGE -- Police say they have nabbed a local Grinch allegedly caught on camera swiping Christmas packages from a township front porch.
Chantell D. Wright, 44, of Elizabeth, has been charged with theft in connection with a package theft reported on Nov. 30 in the Colonia neighborhood of Woodbridge Township, Capt. Roy Hoppock said in a release.
The Woodbridge resident, Jason Terranova, caught the incident on his home security camera and posted the video to Facebook on Dec. 2, hoping to find the thief.
Hoppock said it worked.
The video lead to an anonymous caller, who told Elizabeth police they recognized the woman in the surveillance footage, according to Hoppock.
The nearby department contacted Woodbridge police and Wright was arrested Monday, the statement said. She was charged and released with a municipal court date.
The video has been viewed more than 65,000 times as of Monday afternoon.
Terranova told NJ Advance Media the packages were Christmas gifts for his fiancee and mom.
Anyone who hasn't received a package that was shipped and not delivered, after contacting the vendor, residents should contact police, Hoppock said.
"Unfortunately there are a lot of uncaring Grinches out there looking to ruin your holiday by stealing your packages," Woodbridge police said in a Facebook post after the incident. "If you know your neighbors, take their packages in for them if you know they'll be at work."
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.