Thieves Steal Inventory-Tracking Scanners From 11 Wawa Stores

BRANDYWINE HUNDRED, Del. -- Two thieves are wanted for allegedly stealing bar-code scanners from 11 Wawa Inc.stores in Delaware and Pennsylvania, The News Journal reported.

According to police, two thieves have gone from store to store here and in Upper Providence, Upper Darby and Ridley townships in Pennsylvania stealing Motorola MC9090 RFID scanners. The Wawa stores use the scanners -- valued at $1,400 each -- for inventory tracking.

Images of the pair were captured on a video surveillance feed on Nov. 8 at the Wawa in the Tally Ho Shopping Center in Brandywine Hundred. They were seen getting into a dark-colored four-door car with what appeared to be a New York registration, police said.

Stealing a scanner may seem like a strange move, as they are likely not hot sellers on the aftermarket. However, according to the newspaper, the thieves could have another purpose in mind. Scanning devices have been used to alter bar-code prices at stores such as Walmart and Target. The goal is to make an expensive item much cheaper for purchase.

According to authorities, one alleged thief sports several tattoos, is between 25 and 30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. The other alleged thief is between 30 and 35 years old, the same height and weight and was wearing a blue plaid shirt and jeans. Anyone with information about the thefts is encouraged to call Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.