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Police: Wilmington Man Arrested For 12 YMCA Locker Room Thefts

NEWARK, Del., (CBS) – Delaware State Police say a Wilmington man has been arrested in connection with 12 locker room thefts at two YMCA locations.

Police say James B. Lawson, 20, was arrested and faces numerous counts of theft and related charges.

According to police, the investigation began in August after Troopers began receiving reports of thefts at the YMCA at 251 George Williams Way and the YMCA at 2600 Capitol Trail, both in Newark.

Investigators say Lawson allegedly entered the men's locker rooms and removed wallets, keys, cell phones, and other items from lockers, often stealing from more than one locker. In several instances, investigators say Lawson used the stolen keys to steal items from parked vehicles. Lawson allegedly used some of the stolen credit cards to make purchases at nearby stores, according to investigators.

Detectives apprehended Lawson on Dec. 23 and recovered several of the stolen items, as well as items stolen during a December theft from the YMCA at 3 Mount Lebanon Road in Wilmington.

Lawson was taken to Troop 2 where he was arraigned on numerous counts of theft and related charges.

He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $24,000 secured bail.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing.

Anyone with information about these thefts, or who has been a victim of a similar, unreported theft, should contact Detective Terranova at 302-834-2630 ext. 209.

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