Glen Rock Police Nab Alleged Perfume Thief

One of two alleged serial perfume bandits is in Bergen County Jail after say a lengthy investigation and good interagency police work led to an arrest on May 9.

According to Det. James Calaski, Kim Walton, of Somerset, and Davina Martin, of Franklin Park, walked into the Rock Road on January 8 and used a key to unlock the locked perfume cabinet. Police allege the pair casually emptied about 100 fragrances into their shopping cart and exited the store.

The total value of the perfumes taken from the Rock Road pharmacy is estimated at $5,700 and it's just the tip of the iceberg, police believe.

At least a dozen other CVS stores throughout the tri-state and Pennsylvania area believe the pair is responsible for perfume thefts, each loss estimated between $2,000 and $7,000, Calaski said.

Between Rite Aid and Walgreens, the number could be significantly higher, Calaski said. Past investigations revealed the pair were selling the perfume to bodegas across the northeast, Calaski said.

"They're career shoplifters and stole a key from another CVS," Calaski told Patch on Tuesday. "They've done the same thing with Rite Aids and Walgreens in the past. This is their MO – they steal store keys and get access to different areas."

Another department pulled the pair over on a traffic stop and found the loot in the trunk of the car, Calaski said. Police said the pair claimed they purchased the perfumes at a flea market and at the time, without enough evidence, they were let go.

But notices to other police forces were sent out alerting them of a possible large perfume theft. In early May, the investigation kicked into gear.

"We were able to identify them from surveilance video," Calaski said. "Kim Walton was identified as very distinct looking."

In a strange twist, the veteran Glen Rock detective said Walton, 46, was actually apprehended while she attempted to file an unrelated report in Franklin Park, NJ. With warrants out for her arrest, she was handed over to Glen Rock and remains in jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Although only one of the two alleged thieves is in custody, police say it won't be long before Martin is brought to jail.

"We'll get her eventually, it's just a matter of the local P.D. picking her up," Calaski said.