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Police Looking for Multifarious Crook Suspected in 70-80 Thefts from Home Improvement Stores

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and surrounding agencies are looking to identify and arrest a man believed to be responsible for 70 to 80 thefts from central Indiana home improvement stores. Detective Michael Schollmeier says the man has been stealing power tools and tool kits from stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s since December of 2017. “The unofficial amount is right around $100,000 is where we’re at, what we’ve known he’s taken from the home improvement stores,” Schollmeier said.

Schollmeier says the same man has stolen items from every Home Depot and Lowe’s store in Marion County multiple times. He has also been caught on camera stealing from home improvement stores in surrounding areas, Schollmeier said. Carmel Police recently shared a photo of what appears to be the same man committing theft at a home improvement store.

“Once they saw him on video after he left, they knew it was the same guy that we were looking for down in Marion County,” Schollmeier said. Security videos from multiple stores show what appears to be a white man in his 30s or 40s with short brown hair. The man loads several power tool kits into a cart and quickly pushes the cart past the checkout area without paying. At that point, police believe the man takes the stolen items to a small silver car with a black top and damage to the front end and back left panel.

Schollmeier says the man’s nearly two-year crime spree goes beyond simple shoplifting into the category of organized retail crime. “We’ve only seen him ever steal power tool kits and air nailers, he’s never deviated from that,” Schollmeier said. “He’s obviously selling this stuff as his full time job, so this is what he’s doing to make money.” Schollmeier said the thief seems to be getting more confident and is committing thefts more frequently. It’s a common theme… Fox59 News

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