Crime & Safety
Tool Thieves Wanted In Western Baltimore County: Police
After about 40 tool thefts were reported in Maryland and Delaware, officials say they are close to cracking the case but need your help.
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A band of shoplifters has been hitting home improvement stores across the region. Authorities say there are at least 40 cases on record through Maryland and Delaware that they suspect involve the same thieves. Now, they are asking for help identifying two men they claim are among those taking tools and leaving stores without paying for them.
In groups of two to four people, the suspects took more than $100,000 worth of tools, according to police.
Police said these two were part of a group seen on surveillance footage taking tools from a Home Depot in western Baltimore County that contributed to the $100,000 in stolen goods:
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Authorities say detectives have cleared 15 cases in Baltimore County involving this group of suspects.
Usually, the thieves walk into Home Depot or Lowe's stores, make a beeline for portable Dewalt or Milwaukee tool kits and walk together out of the business, according to officials.
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Police said three people have been charged, all from Baltimore:
Eric Sebastian Cooke, 50, of the 500 block of South Longwood Street, has been charged with multiple counts of theft in Baltimore and Frederick counties.
Danielle Victoria McCory, 29, of the 2600 block of Harlem Avenue in Baltimore City, has been charged with multiple counts of theft from cases in Baltimore and Frederick counties.
Spencer Whitridge Thomas, 47, of the 2700 block of Harlem Avenue in Baltimore City, has been charged with theft.
Anyone with information about the two unidentified suspects or with information about the crimes is asked to call the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-307-2020.
People may also send tips to Metro Crime Stoppers, which is a non-government organization. Tips sent to Metro Crime Stoppers leading to an arrest and/or indictment of a suspect may qualify for a reward. To get in touch with Metro Crime Stoppers, send a text to "CRIMES" (274637) with "MCS" plus the tip; call 1-866-7LOCKUP; or submit a tip online. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Photos courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.
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