Officers with the Bellefontaine Police Department are investigating several incidents reported this week, including a retail theft, a possible online rental scam, and a case of vehicle vandalism.
Walmart theft under investigation
Police were dispatched at approximately 3:26 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 to Walmart, 2281 S. Main St., in reference to a shoplifting complaint. According to a police report, store asset protection staff said an unknown white male entered the store through the general merchandise entrance, obtained a shopping cart, and went to the electronics department.
The suspect allegedly placed one Sony sound bar and two JBL sound bars into the cart and exited the store without paying, passing all points of sale. The individual reportedly left the area in a small gray vehicle traveling in an unknown direction.
The total value of the stolen merchandise was estimated at $1,417.
Possible rental scam reported
Earlier the same day, at approximately 11:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the police department lobby regarding a scam complaint. According to the report, the complainant was assisting a friend in searching for an apartment and located a listing on East Sandusky Avenue advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
The complainant reported contacting the individual advertising the apartment through Facebook Messenger, after which the victim sent $800 in rent and a $120 application fee. The individual later requested an additional $500 for utilities and a homeowners association fee, prompting concerns the situation may have been a scam.
When a refund was requested, the individual reportedly stopped responding to messages and repeatedly disconnected FaceTime calls. The complainant and victim told officers they visited the apartment independently and observed a “For Rent” sign in the yard but had not met the individual advertising the unit in person.
The victim reported being unable to provide additional payment.
Vehicle vandalism reported
Police also investigated a report of vehicle vandalism after a woman reported damage to her car Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 10.
According to a police report, the victim arrived at work in the 100 block of East Columbus Avenue at approximately 7 a.m. Feb. 10 and left work around 3:30 p.m. When she returned to her vehicle, she discovered the rear windshield had been smashed.
An officer observed the damaged vehicle at the police department parking lot. The victim reported she was unaware of any coworkers’ vehicles being vandalized during the same time period.
The above incidents remain under investigation.
