Key Takeaways:
- Two Stevens students attempted shoplifting at Hoboken ShopRite, caught with $155.61 worth of items on surveillance.
- Indian students from Telugu regions faced legal procedures after being caught shoplifting, raising questions about international students’ motives.
- Financial stress, cultural pressure, and peer influence can contribute to shoplifting among international students needing better support systems.
Why Did Two Stevens Institute Technology Students Attempt Shoplifting at Hoboken ShopRite?
In an unsettling development from Hoboken, two young women, reportedly graduate students at Stevens Institute of Technology, found themselves entangled in a shoplifting debacle. The incident occurred at the Hoboken ShopRite, where the duo was caught attempting to steal household merchandise. According to store security, this wasn’t their first suspected attempt. Surveillance footage unveiled a troubling picture: despite paying for two items, they tried to leave with an additional 27 products, cumulatively valued at $155.61.
What Happened During ShopRite Shoplifting Arrest: Students Claim “Forgot the Pepsi”
In a recent event recorded on bodycam, two foreign exchange students, ages 20 and 22, were arrested for taking items from a store without paying. The situation got confusing as the students tried to explain themselves to the store’s security and the police officers who responded.
The students claimed they left the store with items they didn’t pay for because they forgot to pick up Pepsi bottles. They said:
“We forgot the Pepsi to take inside…we came out to take Pepsi.”
However, the security footage told a different story. According to the police, the video showed the students coming into the store with empty bags and filling them with merchandise before trying to leave.
Even though they were caught with items they didn’t pay for, the students said they planned to go back inside and pay for everything. They mentioned:
“We are ready to pay the whole amount,”
and even offered to pay right away. But the police officers didn’t believe their story. One officer explained:
“That’s not how it works. You guys are going to get arrested,”
The students then said they had limited money, which is why they decided to take some items without paying for all of them. They explained:
“I have limited balance in my account,”
But the police were skeptical about where they would get the money from. An officer asked:
“So, if you didn’t have money to pay for it all at one time, where’s your money going to come from?”
Adding to the confusion, the students kept talking about going back for the Pepsi. When an officer asked about it, saying:
“What Pepsi are you talking about?”
they replied they had forgotten some items outside. Their story, however, became less believable with each explanation.
The officers found many inconsistencies in the students’ stories. One officer said:
“That makes no sense. I’m serious. That makes absolutely no sense… You’re making up excuses,”
It was clear the students were not telling the truth, especially when they tried to pay for some of their items after being caught.
What made things worse was when security staff mentioned the students might have done something similar before. They had apparently managed to avoid getting caught on a previous occasion.
The interaction between the police officers and the suspects was filled with explanations, protests, and clarifications regarding the situation.
Initially, the police outlined the reason for the arrest. One officer stated:
“Okay, so, so what happened? What happened is you paid for half, in your cart there was unpaid items… You’re getting arrested. You’re coming down to the police station. You’re gonna sign a form, you are no longer allowed to come to ShopRite.”
As the suspects began to protest and offer explanations, the conversation became chaotic with overlapping dialogues. Despite this, the officer made it clear:
“There’s no debate. You guys are getting arrested. We are going to handcuff you, we are going to search your person, anything that’s on you we’re gonna put into… We’ll take your information, we’ll bring you down to headquarters, we’re going to type up charges, we’re going to send it to the courts.”
One of the suspects attempted to offer their college ID card as identification, leading to a discussion about their lack of a social security number and whether they had been arrested before. The officers explained the immediate steps, including signing a form to acknowledge they were not allowed to return to ShopRite:
“But for now what we need you to do is sign the papers saying that you’re not gonna return, papers in front of you, sign them with your name. Or we’re gonna arrest you, we’re gonna bring you…”
The suspects were confused about the signing process, asking for clarification on where to sign, which led to further detailed instructions from the officers.
As the situation unfolded, the officers discussed the suspects’ entrance and attempted exit times from the store, highlighting the attention to detail in their investigation. Moreover, the officers revealed that the suspects had been identified through face recognition technology as having been involved in a previous shoplifting incident:
“But I, I just want you to know that the, the guy, as soon as you walked into ShopRite, your, your face, on, on their face recognition for shoplifters, it pinged.”
This previous incident, where the suspects allegedly shoplifted but escaped before being apprehended, compounded their current predicament.
Towards the end of the interaction, the conversation shifted to the consequences of their actions, especially regarding future employment opportunities. An officer explained the impact of the arrest on their record:
“Yes. It’s, if they run, if they run your information, it’s gonna show that you were arrested. I mean, whether you get charged or not, that’s, that’s up to the judge, um, if it gets, you know, downgraded, but I mean if it stays this then, yeah, if you go for a job it’s, you’re gonna have a criminal history now.”
As the suspects were being transported to the police headquarters, Officer 1 laid out what was to happen next:
“We’re bringing you to the police headquarters… we have to do a more thorough search.”
He explained the administrative process that would follow:
“We’re going to fingerprint you and photograph you. You’re going to give us your information, we’re going to search the database to see if there’s any charges before on you.”
The officer then detailed the judicial process:
“…we’re going to charge you with shoplifting, and then that complaint will be sent to the court system.”
Regarding potential outcomes, he noted:
“The courts will let us know whether you will be released after today with a court date and a summons, a charge, or if you will be sent to the jail for the night.”
If jail was necessary, he specified:
“If you are sent to county, you’ll be brought to Hudson County Correctional Facility where you will stay for the rest of today into tomorrow, and usually you see a judge in the morning.”
In response, Suspect 1 highlighted a critical factor:
“If you have no criminal record… most likely you’ll just receive a court date with your shoplifting charge and you’ll be released today in a couple hours.”
This incident highlights the complexities of law enforcement encounters, the use of technology in identifying suspects, and the potential long-term effects of criminal charges on individuals’ lives.
Who Are the Indian Students Caught Shoplifting?
The identity of these students, believed to hail from the Telugu regions of India, remains shrouded in mystery. Following their apprehension, they faced the standard legal rigmarole: a search, fingerprinting, photography, and eventually, they were issued a shoplifting summons before being released.
On the evening of March 19, 2024, at about 5:15 p.m., Hoboken Police Officers Chelsea Tamborra and Rose Kanan were dispatched to the ShopRite located at 900 Madison St. following reports related to a shoplifting incident where the suspects were detained by the store’s security team.
Upon arrival, they were briefed by security personnel who had caught two women, identified as 20-year-old Bhavya Linganagunta and 22-year-old Yamini Valkalapudi, both hailing from Jersey City.
The security team reported witnessing the duo pay for just two items, amounting to $8.74, while attempting to exit the store with an additional 27 items valued at $155.61 in total. Following the incident, Linganagunta and Valkalapudi were taken to the Hoboken Police Headquarters, where they were processed for shoplifting charges, then released with summonses to appear in court at a later date.
Bhavya Linganagunta completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Computer Applications from Villa Marie College, located in Hyderabad, in the year 2023. Similarly, Yamini Valkalapudi earned her Bachelor of Technology degree, specializing in Computer Science, from KL University in Guntur, also in 2023. Currently, both individuals are pursuing their Master of Science degrees in Information Technology for the 2023-2025 academic term at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.
Popular YouTuber MKBHD, Marques Keith Brownlee, is an alumnus of Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, where he pursued a degree in business and information technology, graduating in May 2015.
Similar Case in the Past
Multiple Indian Students Jailed in Singapore for Coordinated Shoplifting Scheme
In Singapore, a series of incidents involving Indian students engaging in shoplifting at a Uniqlo store has led to multiple arrests and jail sentences. The students, all on student passes and residing together, conspired to steal merchandise worth over SG$1,700 (approximately Rs 1 lakh) by removing radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags from the items and concealing them in tote bags purchased at the store.
The initial incident involved Ridham Mukeshbhai Shihora, Ashokbhai Hunsmit, Milan Ghanshyambhai Kuvadiya, and Ruchi Sanjay Kumar Chauhan who were caught and jailed for 40 to 65 days. A subsequent attempt involved a larger group, including Brahmbhatt Komal Chetankumar and Christian Arpita Arvindbhai, leading to their arrest and jail sentences of 40 and 45 days, respectively.
The authorities were alerted by store security and used CCTV footage for identification, leading to the arrests. Some members of the group had fled Singapore by the time of the arrests. The cases highlight a pattern of shoplifting conspiracies among foreign students in Singapore, attracting legal consequences and prompting judicial criticism for their actions.
Understanding the Motives Behind Shoplifting Among International Students
This incident isn’t an isolated one but rather adds to a series of reported thefts in the area. But what drives Indian students, among others, to shoplift? Several factors come into play:
- Financial stress: Adjusting to life in a new country can be financially draining, especially for international students who often juggle hefty tuition fees and living expenses.
- Cultural and academic pressure: The struggle to assimilate into a foreign culture, coupled with the intense pressure of academic excellence, can be overwhelming.
- Peer influence: Sometimes, it’s as simple as being swayed by the wrong crowd.
- The thrill factor: For some, the sheer adrenaline rush of ‘getting away with it’ is a tempting lure.
- Aspirational desires: Wanting things that are financially out of reach can sometimes push students towards making poor decisions.
Stepping stones to better decisions
While the pressures and temptations are real, there are healthier ways to navigate the challenges of student life abroad. International students can seek out support networks, engage with financial planning resources, and find community groups that understand their unique pressures and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, educational institutions and communities can play a significant role in providing the necessary guidance and support structures to help students steer clear of such pitfalls.
A Resource for International Students
For students studying abroad and looking for support, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States offers a wealth of resources ranging from maintaining visa status to understanding U.S. laws, including those pertaining to shoplifting and legal consequences.
Shoplifting is a serious offense that can have long-term impacts on one’s legal status and career prospects. It is essential to remember that support and guidance are available to navigate financial and academic challenges without resorting to illegal activities.
Updated: This Article is updated with the name and details of the students that were caught.
This Article In A Nutshell:
In an unfortunate event in Hoboken, two Stevens Institute of Technology students from India were caught shoplifting at ShopRite. Financial stress, academic pressure, peer influence, the thrill, and aspirational desires can drive such actions among international students. Seek support networks, financial planning, and community groups for healthier choices abroad.
— By VisaVerge.com
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South Indians have ruined the image of North indians too
Bhavya Linganagunta and Yamini Valkalapudi are the names on the police blotter.
Thank you for the information. Our team did more research on it and updated the article with more information including the names, details, and official video.