Mother-Daughter Duo Charged in Spate of Purse Snatchings

Police have arrested a mother and daughter team from Point Pleasant Borough they say are responsible for the at Wall-area grocery stores.

Jennifer L. Barth, 45, and Lindsay A. Barth, 21, both of River Road, were arrested Wednesday after police said they received several anonymous calls identifying the suspects after their photos were publicized by the media.

Authorities had been searching for the suspects , when a string of five purse snatchings began over a 10-day period. Police have recorded incidents of thefts from elderly shoppers at the A&P on Route 35 as well as the ShopRite on Route 34.

Surveillance photos from the grocery stores that reportedly identified the Barths were released to the print and television media, which lead to several calls with information on the suspects' identity, Wall police Chief Robert Brice said in a release.

"The thorough initial investigation of patrol officers and the subsequent followup investigation of the Detective Bureau, combined with the assistance of the grocery stores where the crimes occurred, allowed the department to disseminate high-quality video and pictures of the suspects to media outlets. Media outlets assisted by quickly putting the images out to the public, and then citizens stepped forward and identified the suspects," Brice said.

"This is a classic example of the police, media and the community working in tandem to improve safety within the community."

Wall detectives and patrol officers, with assistance from the Point Borough Police Department, arrested Jennifer Barth and Lindsay Barth at their home without incident at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. A 2005 Honda van registered to Jennifer Barth was seized, as police said it was used during the grocery store thefts.

Lindsay Barth was charged with four counts of theft of moveable property and one count of criminal attempt to commit theft. She was taken to the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, in lieu of $40,000 bail.

Jennifer Barth was charged with five counts of conspiracy to commit theft. She also was taken to county jail in lieu of $37,500 bail.

Brice said Wall detectives continue to investigate.