The following is a release from the Gloucester Township Police Department:
On March 21 at approximately 3:35 a.m. the Gloucester Township Police Department received a report of suspicious persons inside a secured fenced area of BARE Motors located on Lower Landing Rd Blackwood.
Arriving officers heard a female voice yelling and the sound of active power tools inside the secured lot. Patrol officers immediately secured a perimeter around the business and located a male, later identified as Vincent Marini from Southampton, laying on the ground inside the fenced lot. The female yelling was located near the business, later identified as Alyssa Adams of Southampton.
Detached catalytic converters, vehicle jack, bolt cutters, and a reciprocating power saw were located near several damaged vehicles inside the secured lot missing catalytic converters. A whole was also located cut in the fenced area.
Police located Mariani’s vehicle nearby and coordinated with several other jurisdictions and counties, including Medford Township Police Department, Deptford Township Police Department, and Berlin Township Police Department, all having active investigations with Mariani and Adams.
Catalytic converters are devices on the bottom of vehicles that reduce environmental emissions. They are made of expensive metals, making them an easy target for thieves who sell them for a profit. This type of theft is on the rise across the country.
The police department says that prevention is key. If possible, park vehicles in a garage or well-lit area. Apply a commercial catalytic theft prevention device. Install an under-vehicle alarm system. Mark the vehicle VIN number on the converter with a UV pen. Unfortunately, the VIN is not on the converter. Report the theft to law enforcement immediately.
Mariani and Adams were charged with Burglary, Theft,, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, , and Possession of CDS. Both were released pending a future court appearance.
