A Tucson man has been arrested on suspicion of going on a theft spree over the past six months that targeted hardware stores across Pima County, police say.
Among the items Mario Bejarano is accused of pilfering: a refrigerator, a six-foot butcher block, a toilet, air compressor and dozens of power tools.
Bejarano, 48, was arrested on Aug. 15, following an investigation into the theft of high-priced items.
He was alleged to have committed 62 thefts from Home Depot and 39 thefts from Lowes since February, investigators say.
During a search of Bejarano’s home, stolen items — many that were used to renovate the bathroom, kitchen and countertops in the home — were identified by store associates, Tucson police said in a news release.
The combined loss to the stores was more than $56,000.
Of the items that were not already installed, Home Depot recovered $20,313 in merchandise and Lowe’s recovered $6,400, police said.
Recovered items also included a swimming pool set, astro turf, large rugs, a patio set, blinds, light fixtures, a carpet cleaner, a steam cleaner, an air compressor, and a power washer.
Police said Berjarano was offloading these items from his home.
Berjarano was booked into Pima County jail on 25 counts of organized retail theft, 2 counts of overarching theft, 1 count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, 1 count of trafficking in stolen property and drug possession.
Two trucks used by Bejarano during the alleged thefts were also seized as evidence.
