OHIO — Boardman police on Thursday released details on four separate retail theft investigations involving more than $2,400 in stolen merchandise, including cases tied to repeat suspects and a former store employee.
The largest reported loss occurred at the Target on Boardman-Canfield Road, where loss prevention staff said a woman stole $1,063.31 in merchandise on Nov. 17.
According to the report, the woman used a “skip-scan” method by ringing up only inexpensive items such as Christmas decorations before pushing a cart of unpaid goods out of the store. She fled in a red Chevrolet SUV.
Staff at the same Target later reported a related incident on Dec. 5 involving a man they believe assists the woman in thefts. The man allegedly attempted to steal $215.05 worth of children’s clothing and batteries, but dropped the items and ran when confronted by employees.
Police were also called to the Walmart on Doral Drive, where a loss prevention manager accused a recently terminated employee of stealing $862.88 in merchandise over a two-week period. Investigators say the woman concealed items—including an Apple Watch and AirPods—in her vest and voided transactions for family members while still bagging the unpaid goods.
In another case, officers responded to Dick’s Sporting Goods on Doral Drive after a manager reported that a man stole $280 worth of merchandise, including a North Face coat. The suspect allegedly removed sales tags in a fitting room before leaving the store without paying.
All four cases remain under investigation.
