Three suspects were recently arrested by the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) after being linked to an organized retail crime ring that targeted various Ulta stores and resulted in over $190,000 in losses.
Suspects would enter an Ulta location, then use hammers and other tools to smash out glass cases so they could steal high-end fragrances. The suspects would then leave the premises before police showed up.
“While people were shopping with their families, in broad daylight, the suspects would go in with tools and smash out the glass cases,” said Deputy Chief Gregory Fried with the FCPD.
Anne Arundel County’s Police Department was then able to locate the vehicle used in these thefts, thanks in part to assistance from Flock Safety License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras that alerted law enforcement to the suspected vehicle location.
“Using advanced license plate readers with AI, police were able to track the suspects to Anne Arundel County,” said Tom Roussey, reporter for 7News.
An investment in Flock Safety LPR cameras is an investment in protecting your customers, staff, and company assets by equipping yourself with actionable evidence that can help law enforcement prosecute criminals.
In this case, the suspects could be identified due to evidence obtained through Flock Safety’s LPR cameras. By implementing LPR cameras throughout your premises, business owners can better ensure they’re equipped with the evidence needed to go after criminals.
LPR cameras work by building a virtual security perimeter around your premises that sends alerts whenever banned/repeat offenders try to enter.
In addition to LPR cameras, businesses should consider mobile security trailers for their security technology stack. Mobile Security Trailers are equipped with flashing blue lights and a talk-down speaker that can deliver live and pre-recorded warnings to any trespassers, in order to deter any unwanted activity.
Mobile Security Trailers are also capable of integrating with LPR cameras to offer further actionable evidence in situations where it’s necessary.
Better understand the real-world capabilities of LPR cameras, and more, with our recent blog: Flock Safety LPR Cameras Help Bust Massive Retail Theft Fencing Operation in Portland.
Donut Shop Employee Held at Gunpoint During Armed Robbery, Flock Cameras Helped Find Suspects
A group of five individuals allegedly committed an armed robbery at Dream Fluff Donuts in Berkeley, California. According to police reports, three of the suspects were armed when they entered the shop around 6:30 am, stole the tip jar, and confronted the store clerk at gunpoint, demanding access to a safe. When told there was no safe, they forced the clerk to open the cash register and took the money inside.
Shortly after, the same group reportedly targeted a nearby Chevron gas station, stealing $1,500 worth of products and an employee’s personal bag. Flock Cameras captured footage of the getaway vehicles, which helped authorities track the suspects’ vehicles—both of which were determined to be stolen.
A subsequent search of one of the suspect’s residences uncovered a Glock handgun, a pellet gun, and other evidence linking to the crimes. He was eventually charged with robbery, kidnapping, grand theft, and receiving stolen property.
This heinous crime represents the real dangers that businesses are up against—and the potential risks facing employees and customers.
By installing Flock Safety security solutions like LPR cameras and Mobile Security Trailers, businesses can work to better protect their employees, customers, and company assets by proactively deterring offenders. And if something does happen, you’ll be equipped with actionable evidence that can be turned over to security personnel and/or law enforcement.
Flock Safety LPR Cameras help businesses protect their premises and create a virtual security perimeter with the ability to send alerts whenever past offenders try to enter the property. It also captures vehicle information for cars that enter your premises, including relevant car details such as the make, color, decals, and more.
LPR cameras can also integrate with Flock Safety Mobile Security Trailers to maximize your proactive security potential with trailers equipped with features like:
- A talk-down speaker that delivers both live and pre-recorded warnings
- Flashing blue lights that let offenders know they’re being watched
- Three high-performance cameras to capture relevant evidence
With full integration, you can automatically receive alerts whenever unfamiliar people or vehicles are in restricted areas during unauthorized times when your business is short-staffed.
Learn more about Flock Safety’s ability to help businesses proactively deter offenders with our blog post: The Shift to Proactive Security: New Tools To Deter Crime and Hold Offenders Accountable.
