A woman is accused of running up a staggering bill on a charge card belonging to the Ocean Township company that once employed her, then dipping into its bank account to pay some of the balance. Also, a couple of brazen daylight break-in burglaries have residents and police on alert.

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Credit card caper

Arlene Benton, 55, of Asbury Park, was arrested Monday on counts of credit card fraud and theft related to bills that flowed into the plumbing contractor's account since 2013, according to police.

The owner reported the discrepancies on July 29, accusing her of palming the card in 2013. Investigators said that Benton ran up more than $24,000 in unauthorized charges, then trying to cover her tracks by paying the creditor with more than $9,000 taken from the business's bank account.

She was released on a summons to await a municipal court hearing.

Daylight lootings

The ransacking of two units of the Middlebrook Apartments on Rustic Drive, and attempts in two more, between 7 AM and 5:30 PM Monday prompt a warning from police to take steps to thwart burglars.

No one has been apprehended for the break-ins. Investigators said that jewery, electronics and clothes were taken from unoccupied apartments.

Anyone with information that can help track down the suspects can speak with Detective Michael Legg, 732-531-1428; the Ocean Township PD Tip Hotline, 732-531-3323; or e-mail to CrimeTips@oceantwp.org.

Meanwhile, police urge home owners and renters to secure windows and doors before leaving, leave some lights burning and use timer switches, store keys away from windows and doors, record details of valuables, keep cash on hand at a minimum in the house, and use alarm systems even when home.

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