‘Operation Blue Light’ Completed in Hagerstown

Police say the year-long investigation went after the problem of retail theft.Hagerstown, Md (KM) The Hagerstown Police Department says it has concluded Operation Blue Light. That year-long investigation went after the problem of retail theft with the goal of  identifying  repeat offenders who commit thefts from multiples stores It also identified where the stolen property was being sold, and brought  to light the drug networks and organizations supplying controlled dangerous substances to those committing these thefts.Police say the operation resulted in 91 individuals arrested or charged with  misdemeanor and felony theft,, sale and possession of controlled dangerous substances and vehicle theft.Officers and detectives also recovered six stolen vehicles, nine handguns and an undetermined amount of drugs. They also   identified 12 locations where the stolen merchandise was being sold. Some of them included private homes, and businesses such as restaurants, barbershops, convenience stores and social clubs.Several retailers cooperated with Hagerstown Police in this operation. They are Lowe’s, Home Depot, Weis, Martin’s, Wal Mart, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenny and Belk.Hagerstown Police say the operation was funded by the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) Initiative which is part of the Governor’s;’ Office on Crime Prevention and Policy Program. Authorities say MCIN focuses on identifying , disrupting and dismantling gangs and violent  criminal networks involved in distribution of illegal drugs, the use of firearms in crimes of violence, human trafficking or other violent criminal enterprises. This is done through enforcement, prevention, intervention and information sharing.By Kevin McManus