$12K in Clothing Stolen from True Religion Store

BETHESDA, MD — Store security video released Friday afternoon shows a group of five suspected thieves filling garbage bags with $12,000 worth of clothes at a Bethesda store, even as shop employees tried to stop the brazen theft, officials say. The Jan. 5 scuffle, during which a female employee at the True Religion clothing store in Westfield Montgomery mall in Bethesda was assaulted, was caught in part on surveillance video.

Montgomery County Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the five suspects. The robbery happened just after 7 p.m. in the store at 7101 Democracy Boulevard when three men and two women, four of whom were carrying empty garbage bags, entered the store. On the video the suspects can be seen pulling shirts from shelves and filling as a surprised worker steps in to stop them.

An employee who tried to stop the thieves from leaving was reportedly assaulted by a female suspect as she fled. The suspects were left the mall through a loading dock door.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about the theft is asked to call police at 240-773-6710. To remain anonymous, call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest for this crime.

»Photos of theft suspects, store video both courtesy of Montgomery County Police