Cops: Duo who used stroller to shoplift nabbed

Police say a couple who used a stroller to shoplift high-end baseball bats and to loot vending machines from Mount Laurel businesses have been taken into custody.

Mount Laurel police had issued arrest warrants for Philadelphia residents Edward Hatch, 37, and Nicole Hatch, 33, charging them with shoplifting, theft and criminal mischief.

Police said the pair was taken into custody in Bensalem Township late Tuesday. They were held to await extradition to New Jersey.

Authorities allege that the two stole five Easton Mako Torq BBCOR baseball bats from the Dick's Sporting Goods store on Nixon Drive on March 31.

Stroller in tow, they cut security locks off the bats, which were valued at more than $2,700, placed the stolen goods in their stroller, and left the store at about 8 p.m., according to police.

The two are also accused of employing the stroller in a theft at the Funplex on Route 38 earlier in the month.

At about 12:40 p.m. on March 21, police said, Edward Hatch broke into arcade and vending machines, stealing cash and damaging the machines.

Nicole Hatch acted as a lookout and used the stroller to shield her partner as he broke into the machines, officials said.