On Dec. 4, 2024, deputies from the Montgomery County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office conducted a #SafeShopper “Blitz”, partnering with loss prevention and management teams from various retail stores in East Montgomery County. The operation focused on identifying and addressing retail theft and other crimes within the area.
The day-long initiative resulted in five misdemeanor arrests, three felony arrests, and 14 citations for theft, as well as the recovery of nearly $2,500 in stolen merchandise, which was returned to the stores. Additionally, several felony charges are pending as warrants are being issued for suspects identified during the operation.
During the blitz, an undercover deputy observed a male and female engaging in “skip scanning” at the Walmart in Porter. The female scanned one item while bagging two, repeatedly committing theft in plain sight.
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered that the male suspect had an active warrant out of Wisconsin for three counts of exposing a child to harmful material. The warrant, which included nationwide extradition, was confirmed, and the male was promptly arrested.
The operation emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the retail community to combat theft and other criminal activities effectively. The East Montgomery County Improvement District has been instrumental in funding the #SafeShopper program, ensuring its continued success in protecting local businesses.
Constable Hayden expressed his gratitude to all involved in the operation, stating: “We greatly appreciate the partnership with our local retail stores and the East Montgomery County Improvement District for their ongoing funding of the #SafeShopper program. Their contributions are vital to our mission of ensuring safe and secure shopping experiences for everyone in our community. To those who think they can come here and commit crimes, let this serve as a warning: in Montgomery County, we stand united with our stores and partners. We will work tirelessly to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who steal, deal in narcotics, and engage in other criminal behavior. Crime will not be tolerated here.”
The Pct. 4 Constable’s Office remains committed to safeguarding the community and ensuring that East Montgomery County continues to be a safe place to shop and live.