Police Arrest Man in Macy's Theft Attempt

Livingston Police arrested a man attempting to steal earrings from a jewelry case at the Macy's at the Livingston Mall last Wednesday, said Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold.

Mall security officers called police after seeing a man who matched the description of a man who earlier that day had allegedly stolen six pairs of earrings from the Ledgewood Macy's in Morris County, said Dippold. The earrings were valued at $3,600.

The man, Michael Vanderhoof, 30, from Budd Lake, had a metal hook wrapped in black tape that he was allegedly using to pry open the jewelry case, Dippold said.

After receiving the call from the Livingston Mall security officers, police asked the loss prevention officers at the Ledgewood Macy's to email a photo of Vanderhoof, said Dippold. The Livingston officers arrived at the mall, confirmed that Vanderhoof matched the photo, and arrested him, said Dippold.

Police also found six glassine packets of a white powder on Vanderhoof that was later identified as heroin, as well as a hypodermic needle, Dippold said.

Dippold said police charged Vanderhoof with attempted theft, possession of a burglary tool, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.