This weekend, a troubling series of burglaries struck a shopping center in Baltimore County, leaving several businesses significantly impacted. During the early hours of Saturday, January 10, seven businesses were targeted at the Belair Beltway Plaza in Nottingham.
Baltimore County Shopping Center Burglaries: Key Details
Around 3 a.m., a group of masked suspects broke into the center. Multiple windows were damaged, resulting in significant property loss for the affected businesses. Plywood now covers the smashed windows as store owners commence cleanup efforts.
Details of the Incidents
- Time and Date: Approximately 3 a.m. on January 10.
- Location: Belair Beltway Plaza, Nottingham, Baltimore County.
- Businesses Affected: Seven businesses were burglarized.
- Estimated Loss: One store owner reported a theft of $1,300 in cash and extensive damages amounting to thousands.
A store owner, wishing to remain anonymous for safety, shared surveillance footage of four young suspects in dark attire and reflective vests. The video shows them forcefully breaking a front window and entering the store. They quickly moved to the cash register, which was ripped out, causing further damage to the store’s computer system.
Community Reactions
Ahmed Shafie, the owner of Cookies by Design, expressed concern over the increase in criminal activity. Although his store was not targeted, the atmosphere in the community has shifted.
- “This is very scary,” he stated regarding the thefts.
- Shafie emphasized the challenges faced by small businesses due to rising profit margins and operating costs.
He noted that in his thirty years of experience in the area, he had never witnessed such a coordinated attack on multiple stores in a single night. He mentioned a noticeable decrease in police presence, which could embolden criminals.
Additional Burglary Incident
Less than an hour following the initial break-ins, another burglary occurred at a KFC less than five miles away. Dispatch communications confirmed the breaking and entering, reporting broken glass and signs of ransacking.
Investigation Status
As of now, both cases are under active investigation by Baltimore County police. Investigators have not disclosed the names of the businesses affected. Authorities encourage any business owner with surveillance footage or information about the burglaries to reach out to the police.
