Reports of possible shootings targeting Walmarts around the country have been making rounds on social media, but police say the threats don't appear to be credible.
Walmart representatives say they're aware of the posts, some of which have been seen locally, and they believe whoever is making them is changing the names of the stores or cities to reflect the local area.
One post names Arroyo Grande.
Police Chief Beau Pryor tells KSBY News the department has received two reports from residents who have seen threatening social media posts naming their city.
"Our Detectives have looked into the post(s) and there is a lack of specificity to identify any suspect(s). Patrol staff has been briefed to be on higher alert and we will conduct regular extra patrols at our local Walmart," Pryor said.
The posts mention that something similar to the recent mass shooting in Texas will happen at an area Walmart.
In Santa Maria, police say someone reported receiving a text message Thursday about a possible shooting this weekend at Walmart.
Police say officers spoke to the reporting party and were unable to determine where the text message originated and what specific Walmart was being target. However, they they say officers working this weekend are being made aware of the report.
Atascadero and Lompoc police say they have not been made aware of any posts mentioning their cities.
Walmart representatives tell KSBY News they are working with law enforcement and agree that the threats appear to be unsubstantiated.
The threats come less than than two weeks after a gunman killed 22 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas and another fatally shot nine people outside a bar in Dayton, Ohio.
