Retail Thefts Up In Bel Air, Police Say

BEL AIR, MD — The Bel Air Police Department has a stern warning for anyone considering taking something that doesn't belong to them: you will be prosecuted.

The warning comes after the department said it's seen an increase in retail theft throughout the town.

"Lately people have felt more inclined to take the 'five-finger discount' instead of paying for things at our retail establishments," the department said via Facebook on Monday.

While the crime may have increased, police said so have the arrests. According to the police department, its arrest and case closure rate is currently 61 percent for retail thefts.

The department said its average time from being dispatched to arriving on scene involving retail theft is just two minutes.

"If you come to Bel Air and decide to steal, you WILL be caught and you WILL be charged," the department warned. "If you need something and can't afford it, please reach out to us and we will help you in any way we can. No one likes a thief, especially businesses still recovering from the pandemic."

Depending on the type of item stolen, the penalties and time behind bars can vary in Maryland.

According to FindLaw, a charge involving less than $100 of merchandise is classified as misdemeanor shoplifting, and it carries a maximum penalty of 90 days. If a person shoplifts something of much greater value, the sentence could be up to 18 months or longer.