BENSALEM, Pa. — Police and business owners in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, are taking a tough stance on retail theft, with 14 arrests made in the past week alone.
The thefts range in value from $20 worth of merchandise stolen from a Wawa to $1,830 at Target, representing a significant loss to business owners and a crime committed against the community.
“Bensalem Township police have zero tolerance for retail thefts and will arrest anyone who is detained or identified as committing these types of crimes,” the police department said in a statement.
As part of the “Bensalem Secure” campaign, authorities are working with the business community to implement practical and sustainable solutions to reduce theft.
“Our goal is to bring our business community together in collaboration with law enforcement to reduce theft with practical and sustainable solutions,” said Bob Norkus, Executive Director of the Bensalem Economic Development Corporation (BEDC).
A hotline has also been established at 888-826-7471 for employees to report internal and external theft.
The crackdown on retail theft in Bensalem is part of a larger effort to combat organized retail crime. Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed a bill into law that creates a first-degree felony offense for thieves who steal $50,000 worth of goods and intend to resell them. The bill also establishes the Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft to prosecute the leaders of these criminal rings.
The arrests and initiatives in Bensalem demonstrate a commitment to protecting businesses and the community from the growing problem of retail theft.
