STATE’S ATTORNEY J. CHARLES SMITH, III, JOINS GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE TO COMBAT ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SAFETY: NATIONAL STORE WALK MONTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2023
Frederick, Maryland – Joining forces with the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), J. Charles Smith, III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County, MD, proudly announces National Store Walk Month, an innovative initiative taking place in September. This initiative intends to address the urgent issue of retail crime and habitual theft and its rippling effects on our communities, signifying a pioneering step in facilitating crucial dialogue and cooperation between local law enforcement and community retailers.
During September, Smith plans to lead Frederick County’s participation by visiting several retail businesses, demonstrating his Office’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with community retailers, exchanging valuable insights, fostering a mutual understanding, and collaboratively developing retail crime mitigation strategies. This unprecedented partnership is anticipated to provide a robust understanding of the challenges at hand, enabling a unified and potent response.
“The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting habitual/organized. Retail thefts in an effort to deter this behavior and promote the safety and well-being of both. Employees and customers while they work and shop in Frederick County.” – J. Charles Smith III
Smith also expressed his appreciation for the continued assistance of all retail partners in these prosecution efforts.
Retail theft collectively costs communities billions annually, undermining local economies and threatening the viability of storefronts in neighborhoods across the country. Equally concerning, in recent years organized and habitual theft has become more brazen and violent, raising safety concerns for employees and customers alike—disrupting lives, jeopardizing livelihoods, and undermining the vitality of communities and neighborhood shopping districts. National Store Walk Month aims to address these concerns, promoting safer, prosperous, and more vibrant communities.
National Store Walk Month welcomes all local retailers and prosecutors to participate, encouraging a united front against retail crime, and fostering a safer, more secure future. As part of this initiative, State’s Attorney Smith reaffirms a commitment to protecting the local community, combatting crime, and creating a more prosperous Frederick County.
For more information, please contact:
About the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office:
The mission of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is to promote public safety and foster a sense of security in our community by holding people accountable for violating the law and pursuing justice in a fair, honest, efficient, and ethical manner.
Press Contact:
Joyce King
Chief Counsel
301-600-1516
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