A woman from Cape Coral, Florida, has been arrested after allegedly stealing items from a Target store, according to the Cape Coral Police Department. The incident took place on October 30th, when the suspect entered the store, selected several items, and used a fake barcode at the self-checkout to avoid scanning the actual prices. This alleged theft resulted in a loss valued at over $500, encompassing sixteen household goods and pieces of clothing.
Following the incident, the police shared the suspect’s image on their social media platforms, which led to an anonymous tip identifying her as Marlena Velez. The caller not only provided Velez’s name but also her Instagram handle. Investigators discovered a TikTok video posted by Velez, where she documented her day out on the same date as the theft, showcasing her outfit and eyewear that matched the surveillance footage from the store. The video has garnered over 150,000 views, where she is seen shopping at T.J. Maxx and Target.
Velez is now facing a charge of petit theft, which pertains to stealing items valued between $100 and $750.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the online era, where social media can play a crucial role in both documenting day-to-day activities and uncovering unlawful behavior. While this situation is unfortunate for all parties involved, it underscores the ongoing challenges retailers face with theft, as well as the community’s role in reporting such incidents. There is a hope that this event will lead to greater discussions about the impact of social media in both retail environments and criminal investigations.