WALDORF, Md. — A Waldorf family is asking for the community’s help in recovering a stolen backyard playset after their Lifetime Adventure Castle Playset was taken from their property sometime between July 20 and July 24.
Gregory Gomez reported the theft to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office after discovering the large, multi-component playground had been disassembled and removed while their home was temporarily unoccupied.
According to Gomez, the family had moved out of their Charles County residence on July 11, believing the sale of their home would finalize shortly thereafter. Internet service had been canceled around that time, causing the home’s Ring security system to go offline. While the sale later fell through, the family continued with their plans to relocate and temporarily stayed elsewhere.
Gomez said the playset was still on the property during a real estate showing conducted by their agent on July 20. However, by the time a landscaper arrived to mow the lawn on July 24, the equipment was gone. He noticed its absence after striking the metal anchors that once secured it to the ground.
Neighbors later reported seeing two men and one woman arrive in a black car and an orange SUV. They were observed dismantling the playset in the morning and later returning with an orange box truck — believed to be a U-Haul — to remove the structure entirely. At the time, neighbors assumed the individuals were connected to the home’s sale and did not intervene or contact the family.
Images posted by Gomez on Facebook include photos of the stolen playset and markings showing a custom solar-powered light system that had been drilled into the roof. That addition, not part of the manufacturer’s original design, could help distinguish the equipment.
Gomez says he fears the theft may have stemmed from a fraudulent online listing, possibly using images pulled from the home’s real estate listing. While Facebook Marketplace has become a common venue for secondhand goods, Gomez noted there’s no way to verify if a now-deleted listing ever existed. He said he has attempted to contact Facebook support but has not received a response.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 6, there are no confirmed leads. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has received the report, but the case remains unresolved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-2222 or submit a tip here.
About Facebook Marketplace Scams
While Facebook Marketplace is a popular platform for buying and selling used goods, it has also been exploited by scammers. One common scheme involves reposting images of property — such as backyard playsets, vehicles or equipment — from real estate listings or public photo galleries, then posing as the owner or seller. Unsuspecting buyers may unknowingly “purchase” stolen or unauthorized items and be instructed to retrieve them without ever meeting the seller. The scam often includes excuses like “we’ve already moved out” or “just pick it up anytime,” which can appear legitimate if the property looks vacant.
Always verify ownership and obtain written confirmation before removing property from any residence.
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