Custom auto parts' theft reported

Friday, October 20, 2006

GALESBURG - Galesburg police are investigating the possible theft of more than $3,000 of custom auto parts sold by a local business through eBay.

According to police reports, an employee of R.A. Benson Motorsports, 454 S. Henderson St., told an officer at 1:40 p.m. Thursday the business sold $3,161 worth of custom auto parts through eBay Motors. The parts were shipped to West Columbia, S.C.

The man who received the parts paid through PayPal, then filed a claim, alleging he received a box containing a brick, a water pump, nuts, bolts, etc. He shipped back to Benson the items he said he received, including several engine parts. Police reported the parts were rusted, covered with dried dirt and grease and appeared to have come from a junk yard.

PayPal refunded the customer his money and charged the entire amount to Benson.

Benson contacted United Parcel Service and put a trace on the shipment, thinking it may have been lost on the way to South Carolina. He was contacted by a claims representative who said the property was delivered to the correct address and there was no damage to the carton. The representative said he opened one of the shipping containers and there were several items inside, including two "shiny" Chevy aluminum heads.

The customer later attempted to make another purchase from Benson, which refused payment and the order. The employee who talked to police said Benson had digital photos of the all the items that were sent. The total loss was $3,161, plus shipping. The investigation is continuing.