Panera Thefts Prompt Warning From Harford County Sheriff's Office

BEL AIR, MD — Thieves took credit cards from unsuspecting patrons recently at Panera locations in Bel Air and Abingdon, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. The crimes are being investigated as related.

The thefts happened in quick succession, officials said, releasing photos of the suspects this week.

"Please be aware of your surroundings at all times, and protect your wallet and purse," the Harford County Sheriff's Office advised. "And if you see something, say something!"

Both theft calls were received around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5, according to the sheriff's office.

Two credit cards were stolen from a purse at the Abingdon Panera in the 3400 block of Merchant Boulevard and then used to buy things at local stores, authorities reported. A similar situation occurred at the Bel Air Panera in the unit block of Bel Air South Parkway.

Based on their investigation, officials said the suspects who used the credit cards after the theft at Panera in Abingdon also tried to use credit cards stolen from the Panera in Bel Air.

The suspects were in a dark SUV, according to officials.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to call Deputy First Class Jeffrey Carlson at 410-612-1717.

To remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $2,000, send a tip online to Metro Crime Stoppers or call Harford Crime Solvers at 1-888-540-8477.

Previous Panera Thefts

The sheriff's office noted that the January thefts involved "different suspects than before," a reference to a series of thefts from Panera customers in 2018 in Harford County.

Two Philadelphia women were charged in December related to a theft in the Aberdeen Panera.

One of those suspects was also linked to a November theft at the Abingdon Panera and August thefts at the Abingdon and Bel Air Panera restaurants.

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Photo of suspects courtesy of the Harford County Sheriff's Office.