It was a six-month effort against retail thefts.
Hagerstown, Md (KM) 57 individuals were arrested by Hagerstown Police over a six-month period as part of “Operation Blue Light Special.”
Authorities say it was an effort to identity repeat offenders who stole merchandise from several stores, and where the stolen property was sold. It also involved identifying the drug networks and organizations which were supplying narcotics to those who were committing these thefts.
Most of the 57 suspects arrested are charged with misdemeanor and felony theft, vehicle theft, possession of narcotics and possession of firearms. Police say two of the suspects arrested and two firearms recovered as part of “Operation Blue Light Special” were linked to a homicide in another jurisdiction.
This initiative, which began in June, 2024, involved detectives and officers conducting surveillance of retail stores and known individuals. More than $15,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.
Hagerstown Police say “Operation Blue Light Special” began in June, 2024, under the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network which is part of the Governor’s Office on Crime Prevention and Policy. It works to identify, disrupt and dismantle gangs and violent criminal networks which are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs, the use of firearms in crimes of violence, human trafficking and other criminal enterprises. This is done through enforcement, prevention, intervention and information sharing.
The stores which cooperated with Hagerstown Police in this effort are Lowe’s, Home Depot, Weis, Martin’s, Wal Mart, Kohl’s, Target, JC Penny and Belk.
By Kevin McManus