Police in Prince George’s County call it a major win in their fight against organized retail theft.
According to investigators, a 42-year-old man accused of stealing approximately $50,000 in merchandise from stores across the county is now in custody following months of investigation.
In an exclusive interview with FOX 5’s Shirin Rajaee, Police Chief George Nader stated that this was not a case of stealing needs for survival. The term “organized retail theft” refers to individuals who engage in theft as a vocation. “This is their job,” Nader explained.
According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, 42-year-old Carlos Maurice Wilder of Riverdale has been suspected of perpetrating over 100 thefts since January, totaling over $50,000 in stolen property.
According to investigators, Wilder targeted high-end gadgets and appliances such as televisions and Ninja blenders, frequently entering into establishments, grabbing merchandise, and then leaving.
Wilder admitted to selling the items during questioning; thus, no merchandise was seized, according to police.
Wilder had nine open warrants for theft charges when he was detained on Sunday. This defendant had nine outstanding warrants for thefts. “When the retailer recognized him, we were able to apprehend him,” said Sgt. Alicia Wheeler.
Police said the arrest comes only months after Prince George’s County formed a new organized retail theft task force in February. According to investigators, a shopkeeper working with the task team recognized Wilder inside a store on Sunday and promptly informed police.
Retail theft has become more aggressive, according to store owners and managers around the county. The only thing that will assist is true security, which includes police officers armed with firearms. That would be a disincentive,” explained Michelle Hyland, a manager at Five Below.
According to Chief Nader, the agency is strengthening ties with retailers and law enforcement to combat cross-jurisdictional repeat offenders. We now have professionals in this subject. We are creating relationships. “We hold people accountable for it,” Nader stated. “I’m trying to create as much attention to it as I can, because it doesn’t stop in Prince George County.”
Nader says he hopes to someday expand the operation regionally by collaborating with other law enforcement agencies in Maryland to better track repeat offenders linked to organized retail theft.
Police also intend to organize a business seminar this summer to get retailers together to discuss theft patterns, security suggestions, and methods for businesses to better collaborate with law enforcement.
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