WESTPORT — A Westport man, busted by police posing as buyers interested in purchasing a $20,000 scanner he allegedly stole last month from a local office, faces burglary and larceny charges.

Zachary Elson, 39, is charged with third-degree burglary, first-degree larceny and, based on an outstanding warrant, failure to pay or plead.

The theft was reported to police Jan. 26 by a man who said his office on Sylvan Road South was burglarized overnight. The complainant told police that among several items stolen was an “industrial scanner” valued at nearly $20,000.

On Feb. 10, according to the report, detectives learned that someone was trying to sell the stolen scanner. Under the pretext of seeking to buy the device, detectives arranged to meet the seller to complete the transaction.

When the suspect — identified by police as Elson — arrived at the predetermined location, he had the scanner in his possession and was placed under arrest.

Elson was held on $2,500 bond, and transported Feb. 14 to state Superior Court in Stamford to be arraigned on the charges.