07-05-2025
Recently burglarized KC business find stolen items on Facebook Marketplace
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nessabel Western Boot store on Kansas City's east side was recently broken into with thieves stealing clothes and shoes.
The owner, Aneyda Herrera, said that a week later, they spotted their stolen items for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
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'We recognize our merchandise because there are no other stores with the same kind of merchandise that we have. So my daughter was scrolling on Facebook and she found that and sent me a text, 'Is this our stuff? Are these our boots? Those were our boots. Are those our jeans?' Herrera explained.
Herrera believes the items for sale were stolen from her store on April 28.
'You can see the person. You know who it is, but you can't do anything. It's so frustrating,' Herrera said.
The break-in was reported to the Kansas City Police Department.
Surveillance footage shows the thieves using a car with an attached chain to knock the door down.
'We have to pay for the door, which was more than $5,000. It has to come from our pockets. Insurance doesn't cover that. So it's a lot of money,' Herrera explained.
It wasn't the first time the store had been broken into. Herrera believes more police patrols in the area could help.
'I know it's probably partly because of the area we're in. But I don't think this is supposed to happen, if the police concentrated more here in this area,' Herrera said.
A spokesperson for KCPD tells FOX4 that detectives have seen items appear on Facebook Marketplace before and can use this information as an additional investigative tool for holding criminals accountable. Much like witness statements or surveillance footage, it can be used to provide leads so investigators can make arrests.
If you believe you engaged in a transaction that involved a stolen item, or if you think an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace is stolen, you should report it to local law enforcement.
Lenexa police have worked on multiple cases involving stolen items for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Lenexa Police Public Information Officer Danny Chavez said there are a few red flags you need to look out for.
'Trust your gut. Does it look too good to be true? Do you know if this particular item in the condition that it appears to be would retail or even be sold used for a price that's significantly more than what's being asked? A lot of times we'll see stolen items really marked down rather cheaply for what they should be,' Chavez said.
'Don't ever be afraid to ask questions. You're the buyer here, so don't be afraid to ask questions like when they bought it. Ask for additional photographs, pictures of receipts, bills of sale, anything like that,' Chavez added.
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Chavez said that, when possible, you should always meet a buyer or seller in the parking lot of a police station to conduct the transaction. Avoid home deliveries or remote pickups when you can.
Some other tips from Lenexa PD:
Check the seller's profile: Be cautious if the account was recently created or lacks detail.
Document the sale: Create a bill of sale or take screenshots of the posting and communication. This can help protect you if something is later reported stolen.
Avoid risk items: Be extra cautious with electronics, designer goods, tools, bikes, and vehicle parts as they are frequently stolen and flipped.
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