woodbridge-thief

Sean T. Webster, 27, is accused of stealing from coats and bags that were set aside as people exercised at the Woodbridge Community Center on Main Street, according to police.

(Anthony G. Attrino/NJ.com)



WOODBRIDGE – Police say a township man blended in well at the Woodbridge Community Center over the past several weeks.

So well, in fact, that he went unnoticed as he swiped driver’s licenses and credit cards from unsuspecting victims as they worked out, according to Woodbridge police.

Sean T. Webster, 27, was arrested about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday as he left the Main Street facility carrying driver’s licenses, a vehicle registration and credit cards belonging to people inside the facility, said police Capt. Roy Hoppock.

Hoppock said the suspect entered the community center – used daily by dozens of residents – and stole from coats, bags and other items left lying around while victims exercised, played games and participated in other activities.

“He blended in very well,” Hoppock said. “Until he got caught.”

Police suspect the licenses may have been used in identity theft. In at least one instance the suspect is believed to have stolen car keys and entered a vehicle in the parking lot.

Hoppock said members of the tactical unit assigned to investigate the thefts developed Webster as a suspect and arrested him.

Webster is charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, credit card theft, fraudulent use of a credit card and burglary. He was taken to the Middlesex County jail and held on $75,000 bail, no 10 percent option.

The investigation is continuing and more charges may be filed, Hoppock said.