By: Richard L. Smith
Two women have been arrested in connection with a series of Apple Store thefts at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne that investigators say were part of an organized retail theft operation.
Police said officers responded to the Apple Store at the mall on January 2 and January 11, 2026, after reports that multiple Apple iPhones had been stolen. 
The combined value of the stolen merchandise in the two incidents exceeded $15,000.
According to the Wayne Police Department, detectives determined that the same suspects were responsible for both thefts.
As the investigation expanded, authorities learned the suspects were linked to similar thefts across New Jersey.
Investigators identified the suspect vehicle and later tracked it to Fort Lee, where officers from the Fort Lee Police Department located and stopped the car.
Two female suspects were identified at that time and later released pending further investigation. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued.
On January 15, the suspects were arrested by the Millburn Police Department in connection with a theft in that township.
Wayne police then took custody of the women and processed them on the outstanding warrants.
Authorities identified the suspects as Angelina Miclescu, 18, and Irina Bacelan, 23, both of Harrington Park.
Both were charged with second-degree shoplifting as part of an organized retail theft crew and were transported to the Passaic County Jail Intake Hub.
Police said two male suspects believed to be involved in the thefts remain unidentified.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wayne Police Detective Bureau at 973-633-3530.