New Bedford Woman Charged In Backpack Theft

A 35 year old New Bedford woman is facing charges after allegedly stealing a backpack containing jewelry and cash. Heather Leigh Amaral of Tremont Street was arrested Friday.

Public Information Officer Lt. Amos Melo tells WBSM News, a 47 year old city man told police the backpack was in his car parked on Dartmouth Street Thursday afternoon, outside Expo's Market.

The man said he left his car unlocked and running while he entered the market. When he returned, the backpack was gone.

Detectives later identified Heather Amaral as a person of interest. She was arrested the next day and charged with breaking and entering in a vehicle with intent to commit a felony and larceny over $250.

Melo says detectives recovered all of the jewelry and a portion of the cash that was in the backpack.