APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 45-year-old Victorville man was arrested for theft after deputies served a search warrant at a residence and found $2100 in stolen trading cards, officials said.
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, deputies were dispatched to a report of a shoplifter in custody at Target on Bear Valley Road in the Town of Apple Valley.
According to a sheriff’s news release, “Deputies D. Henderson and B. Hobbs responded to the location where Target security had Thomas Dillon Ripley detained for stealing approximately $300 worth of baseball cards from the store.”
Ripley was arrested and released with a citation to appear in court at a later date.
Deputy D. Vallejo, currently assigned to investigate retail theft crimes, conducted further investigation and served a search warrant at his residence, located in the 12800 block of Riverview Drive, on August 8, 2024.
During the service of the search warrant, numerous sports trading cards were located.
“It was determined the cards, valued at approximately $2,100, were stolen and were seized. Ripley had an elaborate process where he would enter the store, cover the barcode on items with a fraudulent barcode which greatly decreased the price he paid for items,” stated sheriff’s officials.
Ripley was arrested for burglary and grand theft. He was transported to Barstow Jail. Ripley subsequently posted bail and was released to appear in court at a later date.
Apple Valley Police Department reminds citizens products offered for sale on sites such as Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace and others may be stolen merchandise. These products are often sold at discounted prices and seem appealing. Purchasing on these sites can lead to increased costs in stores as companies attempt to recover losses.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Vallejo with Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
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