6 arrested in alleged $500K retail theft ring that targeted more than 100 stores
6 arrested in alleged $500K retail theft ring that targeted more than 100 stores
Six people are in custody in connection with an alleged organized retail theft ring that Prince George’s County police say stole more than $500,000 in merchandise from stores in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware and Pennsylvania.
PRINCE GEORGE'S CO., Md. - Six people are in custody in connection with an alleged organized retail theft ring that Prince George’s County police say stole more than $500,000 in merchandise from stores in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware and Pennsylvania.
What we know:
Prince George’s County police announced the arrests Tuesday, saying the county’s organized retail theft task force took the six suspects into custody Monday.
Police said they plan to arrest five additional suspects.
Four of the people already arrested are from Prince George’s County, while two are from Washington, D.C., according to police. Some of the suspects are referred to in court documents as the "Parker Crew."
Investigators say the alleged ring targeted more than 100 stores over the past 18 months.
Stores allegedly targeted
Police said the group is accused of thefts at retailers across the DMV, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Among the Prince George’s County businesses police said were targeted:
- Ulta Beauty in Forestville, which was allegedly hit twice for $10,348 and $6,181.
- Foot Locker in Forestville, where police said $1,960 in merchandise was stolen.
- Kohl’s in Bowie, where police said more than $1,000 in Sephora merchandise was taken.
- Target in Brandywine, where police said $389 in girls’ clothing was stolen.
Police said the alleged thefts occurred from late last year through this spring.
Prince George’s County arrests 6 in multi state retail theft ring (Prince George’s County Police)
How the alleged operation worked
Investigators say the suspects either forced their way into stores or walked in and took merchandise.
Police said the group then sold stolen goods online through social media and at flea markets.
Chief George Nader said partnerships between law enforcement and retailers are key to the investigations.
"If somebody’s coming to steal property, you don’t want to put your employees at threat to engage with these individuals," Nader said. "You don’t know what they have with them, what weapons. So, what we’re trying to foster now is a better relationship with our retailers. They know that we’re paying attention. But I do want to make it clear: without their cooperation and their loss prevention officers, we wouldn’t be where we are today."
What police seized
Police said they recovered about $20,000 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise, cash, a semi-automatic handgun, crack cocaine and fentanyl during the arrests.
What officials said
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy said the county is treating organized retail theft seriously.
"And let today’s announcement give you comfort in knowing that we take retail theft seriously," Braveboy said. "And we will work with our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors at the local, the state as well as the federal level to hold each and every person accountable."
What's next:
Police said the investigation remains active as detectives work to locate the five additional suspects.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Prince George’s County Police.