More victims of E-ZPass transponder thefts come forward following News 12 NJ story
Thieves targeted the Loori Bus Company in Middletown last August - and got away with thousands of dollars in tolls.
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Just minutes after New 12's Jim Murdoch posted a social media alert about stolen E-ZPass transponders Thursday, more victims came forward.
Thieves targeted the Loori Bus Company in Middletown last August - and got away with thousands of dollars in tolls.
Beginning last August and into early October, thieves racked up tolls billed to Loori Bus Company.
“The charges probably totaled close to $8,000 in stolen transponder tolls,” said Suzanne Loori, owner of Loori Bus Company.
North Brunswick police began investigating similar thefts and believed this started at the end of March. What happened here at Loori's shows the criminals have been at this scheme far longer.
A total of 11 E-ZPass transponders were stolen from Loori Bus Company.
Office manager Jeannie Bochicchio spent an entire week matching reports, figuring out what units were stolen, and trying to get help on the phone because the charges were not discovered until the end of the bill cycle.
Drivers there now must sign out transponders, kept under lock and key overnight. But workers say dealing with E-ZPass was nothing short of a nightmare.
“Countless, a lot of hours. I felt like I was doing their job,” said Bochicchio.
Loori still had to pay about $3,000 worth of tolls charged to their accounts. They received a $6,000 credit, but she wants changes with the way E-ZPass collects tolls now.
“Why can’t they just make it simple? Why can’t plates only be on these accounts? Make it simple. Just make it simple,” said Loori.
A spokesperson for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority tells News 12 as of now E-ZPass tags are the most effective and secure way to collect tolls but they are experimenting with windshield stickers which would stop working if they're removed and better protect against theft.
