A man accused of stealing electronic scanners from major retailers across the country has been arrested at Nashville International Airport.

Police say Anthony Canales, of New York, will fly into cities, rent a vehicle, stay for three to four days, and steal handheld scanners from major retailers like Kroger, Lowes, and Target.

A detective from the Murfreesboro Police Department was able to develop 34-year-old Canales as a suspect after $14,000 worth of scanners were taken from the Kroger on Old Fort Parkway this week. Police said another theft happened at a nearby Lowes.

Investigators found Canales may have been committing the crimes across the country over the past 18 months. Homeland security has investigated Canales in Florida, Cincinnati, and Georgia. He's also suspected of stealing scanners in Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Hermitage, and Mt. Juliet.

Officers in Middle Tennessee confiscated more than 100 handheld scanners—a $500,000 estimated loss to retailers. Police say the scanners are used for barcoding, inventory, and click lists. They are usually wiped clean and shipped and sold across the country and overseas.

“This is a significant arrest,” Murfreesboro Detective Worden said. “Canales has been wreaking havoc all across the country.”

Canales was taken into custody Tuesday by BNA Police, who confirmed he was at the airport with help from Murfreesboro and Henderson police.

He's been booked into the Sumner County Jail without bond and is expected to be brought to the Rutherford County Jail upon release.

The investigation into Canales remains active an ongoing. Retailers experiencing scanner thefts are encouraged to contact Detective Worden at (629) 201-5637.

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