CAMDEN — A series of summons have been handed to local residents and transients cited for alleged theft of groceries and clothes from a two of the largest stores in Camden.

Town Manager Audra Caler informed the Camden Select Board Tuesday evening, Dec. 5, at a regularly scheduled meeting that the Camden Police Department had been investigating the ongoing and increasing thievery trend.

“This is something that is happening not just all over the state, but all over the country,” said Caler. “It is pretty well-organized theft involving several suspects working together in town.”

Since early November, police have responded to five such incidents at Hannaford grocery store in Camden, and three to four at Reny’s.

Camden Police Sgt. Wes Butler said Dec. 6 that he was on the Reny’s case, with the initial report of individuals stuffing stolen clothing and goods into the trunk of a car.

They had apparently been spotted at the store two days in a row, and on the second day, called the police as the suspects were climbing into their vehicle.

Butler responded was able to retrieve items from the car that were stolen that day and some from the previous day.

The accused are local, and homeless, said Butler.

At Hannaford, there have been a series of “cart push-outs,” said Camden Police Officer Mark Bennett.

That involves filling a grocery cart and leaving the store without paying, he said. 

An increase in that trend started a month ago, and has happened five times. He recently served summons to two individuals.

Police are advising employees to follow the suspects out of the store, getting a license plate number and description of the vehicle, and calling 911 immediately.

“Don’t worry about the merchandise,” Butler said. “Don’t get confrontational. Get a plate so we can follow up. Or, if you see something, call us. Usually we can be right there.”

Police have increased their patrol through the parking lots of the grocery store and Reny’s.

Downtown stores have not been affect – so far.

Butler had asked the suspects what they had taken. The answer was boots, jackets, sweatshirts. One suspect told him she had given the items to a friend. Both suspects with whom he spoke appeared to be living outdoors in a cold environment.

“What they had with them was pretty much what they owned,” he said. 

He noted the lack of low income housing, and said the suspects reported they had a case worker, and were on a list for housing, but the list is long.

Meanwhile, Camden and Rockport police are collaborating across the county with law enforcement, sharing information.

Rockland has had thefts, likewise Thomaston, which they are all confronting on a regular basis. On Nov. 28, Rockland Police Department reported on its Facebook page “a smash and grab burglary at the Maine Smoke Shop on Park Street.”

The current increase in stealing from stores does not appear to be part of organized crime burglary rings that the region has experienced periodically over the past years, said Butler.

In the Hannaford and Reny’s cases, police officers have had face-to-face contact with the accused.

“We have suspects and both of them have been charged,” said Butler. That goes for the two Hannaford suspects, as well.

Both he and Bennett urge the community members to call 911 if they witness something.

“If people look like they are taking stuff, call us,” said Butler. “We will come. I’d rather have a call and prevent a theft than have to deal with it afterwards.”

Bennett echoed that sentiment.

“Don’t wait to call us,” he said. “Call us when you see it.”

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657