FLORENCE-The Florence Police Department released a statement in regard to a statewide theft case. An arrest was made in this case on Thursday night, October 27:
“Over the last several months Best Buys across North and Central Alabama have fell victim to a unique style of theft. In each case the suspect removed and replace the barcoding to reflect significantly lower prices on high value electronics. An investigation was launched was multiple police agencies in conjunction with Best Buy. Melky Kipkoge was identified as the suspect by police in the Birmingham area and warrants were issued. Last night officers responded to Best Buy in Florence regarding a shoplifter. Upon arrival officers identified Kipkoge and found him to have warrants in the Birmingham area. It was also found that Kipkoge had a felony amount of items in his shopping cart with switched barcodes. He was arrested at the scene and charge with felony shoplifting. Additional charges are pending in Birmingham. He is being held in the LCDC. ”

