OGDEN, Utah – A woman was arrested Wednesday after she allegedly stole more than $20,000 worth of merchandise in the month of June and then sold some of that merchandise using online classifieds.
According to a press release from the Ogden Police Department, Amanda Barnes has been under investigation for several months due to her pawning several high-end barbecue grills, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, vacuums, pressure washers and hand-held power tools.
All of the items were reportedly brand new and still in the box.
An Ogden Police Department detective found Barnes was listing several items online using KSL Classifieds under the aliases “Tammy” and “Mandy.” According to the press release, detectives found through several sources that Barnes was listing items for sale, and she would then steal the specific items after a buyer contacted her about making a purchase.
The Ogden Police Department coordinated with the Riverton Police Department to set up the purchase of a grill listed on KSL Classifieds by Barnes, and detectives arranged to meet Barnes at a predetermined location.
Detectives contacted local Home Depot and Lowes stores and made them aware Barnes could be coming to steal a grill. A short time later, Barnes successfully stole a $700 grill from the Home Depot in Ogden and arrived at the arranged meeting location. Detectives arrested Barnes after finding her in possession of the grill.
Detectives are currently investigating other incidents throughout Weber and Davis counties where Barnes was observed on video pushing similar items out of several Home Depot and Lowes stores. Barnes has been using a white Subaru Forrester to carry out the alleged thefts. The vehicle and the suspect are pictured in the video above.
Police ask anyone who has purchased similar items through local classified listings, or who has information about similar thefts involving Barnes, to contact Detective Mizar of the Ogden Police Department at 801-629-8496.
