Christmas Cheer Diminished by Burglary in Lexington

News Summary

On Christmas Eve, the festive spirit in Lexington was tarnished by a burglary at a local business, where equipment worth nearly $2,000 was stolen. The thief made off with a Kobalt tool box and a Generac generator, shocking both store owners and customers. In a related incident, two men were arrested for placing a credit card skimmer in a local store, adding to concerns about consumer safety. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Christmas Cheer Turns Sour in Lexington

In Lexington, the holiday spirit took a hit right on Christmas Eve as police reported a shocking burglary at a local business. While many were settling in for their festive celebrations, a thief was busy making off with nearly two thousand dollars worth of equipment!

The Burglary Incident

The incident unfolded on December 24, 2024, when the burglar was caught on surveillance cameras breaking into the business and snagging a Kobalt tool box, packed full of specialty tools, along with a Generac generator. It’s a truly disheartening tale that leaves both the store owners and shoppers reeling as they try to wrap their heads around the brazen act occurring during what should be a joyful time of year.

Skimming Scheme Uncovered

In a coincidental twist, Lexington police also took action against two men, Mihai Neacsu and Angel Damache, for their involvement in a totally different, yet equally concerning crime right around the same time. These two were charged with placing a credit card keypad skimmer on a machine at a local store. The skimmer was detected on July 15, 2024, at Winburn Fruit Supermarket, leading to swift police response. While details regarding how many shoppers were affected are still under wraps, this incident echoes the ongoing issues surrounding credit card fraud in today’s society.

The Charges Stacked Up

Neacsu and Damache now face a laundry list of serious charges, which include:

• First-degree unlawful access to a computer
• Engaging in organized crime
• Use of a scan device/re-encoder to access transaction info from a credit card
• Possession of burglary tools

The foreboding reality of these charges reflects not just their actions but also the growing need for vigilance amongst consumers. Shoppers who might have used cards at the affected store are encouraged to keep a close watch on their accounts and report any suspicious activity that may arise.

Community Vigilance Urged

In light of these unsettling events, the local police department is urging everyone to stay alert. If you notice anything peculiar or suspicious, you’re encouraged to step up and report it. Anonymous tips can be made via Bluegrass Crime Stoppers, providing a safe way to contribute to the overall safety of the community.

Ongoing Investigations

As of now, both Neacsu and Damache are held at the Fayette County detention center on a $10,000 bond and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 25. Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the scope of the compromised financial data from the skimming episode.

Previous Skimmer Incidents

This isn’t the first time Lexington has seen such troubling skimming incidents. Earlier in March, two individuals were caught using skimmers at ATMs in local Kroger stores, showcasing how prevalent this kind of crime has become.

Consumer Awareness is Key

Heather Clary from the Better Business Bureau has pointed out how easily these skimmers can be placed on machines without consumers even noticing. Being cautious when making card transactions is more important than ever. Take a moment to check for any signs of tampering before swiping your card, and remember that your safety is in your hands.

Police Winter Shoplifting Blitz

In other news, it’s been a busy winter for Lexington’s police department. Their first-ever winter shoplifting blitz led to charges against 52 suspects, alongside the recovery of over $5,000 in stolen goods. It’s clear that law enforcement is stepping up their game to combat issues plaguing the community during the holiday season.

As Lexington grapples with these unsettling incidents, it serves as a firm reminder that we all need to stay alert and work together to keep our community safe and secure.

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Additional Resources

• ABC Columbia: Lexington Police Searching for Accused Burglar
• Kentucky.com: Local Crime News
• WKYT: Credit Card Skimmer Found at Lexington Store
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Burglary
• Google News: Lexington Crime