The holiday shopping season is in full swing. In an effort to keep shoppers safe across the county, the Prince George’s County Police Department launched a holiday crime initiative focused on increased visibility and staffing at major shopping centers. The goal is to help prevent shoplifting, robberies and thefts from vehicles.
“We want all county residents and visitors to know that this agency takes seriously the safety and security of shoppers and businesses, both during the holiday season and year round,” said Captain Craig Winegardner of the Special Operations Division.
Throughout the month of December, the PGPD will allocate additional assets to designated shopping centers across the county, to include Rivertowne Commons Marketplace, Woodmore Towne Centre and Tanger Outlets – National Harbor. In several recent thefts at county businesses, suspects stole thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. Arrests have been made in several of the investigations. Detectives are actively working to close more cases. Below are surveillance photos of suspects in two thefts at Tanger Outlets that remain under investigation:
Date of theft 10/23/21
Date of theft 10/18/21
In addition to preventing thefts, we are also encouraging shoppers to help protect their vehicles while out shopping. Please watch this video with important safety tips on how to prevent thefts from auto this holiday season and year round:
https://youtu.be/zma9_97J7fc
Anyone with information on the theft cases highlighted in this release, are asked to call 301-749-5064. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.