TikToker arrested for stealing from store using fake barcodes

• A TikToker has been arrested for stealing from a Target store.
• Security footage revealed the suspect had stolen 16 items.
• To identify her, CCPD shared her image on Facebook and Instagram.

A 22-year-old TikToker with nearly 300,000 followers has been arrested for allegedly stealing from a Target store using fake barcodes.

The Cape Coral Police Department (CCPD) reported the incident, which occurred on October 30, 2024, at a Target located on NE Pine Island Road in Cape Coral, Florida.

According to CCPD, “Loss Prevention at Target stated that on October 30, 2024, an unknown female entered the store and selected items listed for sale. Once at the self-checkout register, the female suspect did not scan the items’ barcodes, instead scanning a false barcode with cheaper prices.”

Security footage revealed the suspect had stolen 16 items, including household goods and clothing, with a total value of $500.32. To identify her, CCPD shared her image on Facebook and Instagram, describing her as “approximately 20-35 years old, had long black hair, and was wearing a tan shirt, tan pants, and glasses.”

An anonymous tip identified the suspect as Marlena Velez, a content creator on TikTok. “Officers then found Marlena’s TikTok account, which documents her getting ready on October 30, 2024, in the same outfit and glasses and going to Target,” the police said.

Velez, now charged with petit theft, is in Lee County Jail as the investigation continues.

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