Police looking for woman trying to scam pet stores in region

Middletown police are investigating a woman who allegedly paid for items with two “bad checks” at a Middletown pet store and possibly at stores in Englewood and Kettering.

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Police were called Sept. 28 to the Petco, 3464 Towne Blvd., by the manager who said a woman tried to make four separate purchases and return several items, according to a police report.

The manager said he “grew suspicious” when the woman wanted to break up the check increments under $50. He said the company doesn’t certify checks under that amount.

After two transactions, the manager asked for the woman’s ID, and he noticed the last two numbers were scratched out, according to the report.

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He refused to complete more transactions and the suspect left the store. The manager said because of the number of customers in the store, he was unable to follow the suspect into the parking lot.

The manager told police two other Petco stores were “hit earlier in the day,” apparently by the same woman.

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