MOUNT LAUREL -- A Monroe Township man is behind bars Thursday after police said he was caught returning to the scene of his crime.

Police said Peter Lapreta, 55, was caught attempting to steal $195 worth of merchandise from Home Depot on Wednesday at 11:35 a.m. He dropped the items and fled when loss prevention officers confronted him.

Lapreta returned to the store just a few hours later to retrieve his car, and was arrested by police at the scene.

He was charged with shoplifting and remains in Burlington County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.