AUBURN – A theft ring responsible for more than $20,000 in merchandise hatched an elaborate scheme involving stolen checks, police said Friday.

Acting on a tip, authorities discovered earlier this week a Lewiston apartment brimming with boxes of computers, flat screen TVs and other stolen goods, mostly from box stores.

Through interviews and research, police learned that suspects stole checks from a man who was out of town, then used them to buy gift cards. They sold the cards on the street and also bought items from stores with them, Auburn police Detective Chad Syphers said.

The suspects apparently used fake IDs when writing the checks, he said.

Police have identified several people they believe played a role in the scheme. Syphers said he will turn over evidence from his investigation to the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office to be presented to a grand jury.

District Attorney Norm Croteau said the charges could be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the total amount of stolen property and the prior records of the suspects.

Syphers warned of the danger posed by lost or stolen items.

“If people discover checkbooks missing they should immediately cancel it,” he said. The same holds true for credit cards and identification. “It’s important that people protect their identity.”

Lewiston police, federal marshals, state police and members of the Central Maine Violent Crime Task Force were involved in the investigation.

Authorities confiscated seven computers, TVs, video games, jewelry and toys from a Cottage Street apartment Wednesday night.