Retail Theft Ring Busted in Maryland, $16,000 in Stolen Beauty Products Recovered

Several people arrested for stealing cosmetic and beauty items from multiple stores across Carroll County

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Detectives in Carroll County, Maryland have recovered over 800 stolen cosmetic and beauty products valued at approximately $16,000, as part of an investigation into an organized retail theft ring. Several people, including two women, were arrested at homes in West Baltimore in connection with the thefts, which occurred at multiple stores such as CVS, Dollar General, and Walgreens across Carroll County.

Why it matters

Retail theft rings can have a significant economic impact on local businesses and communities, leading to higher prices for consumers and potential safety concerns. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement cooperation and community vigilance in addressing organized retail crime.

The details

Hampstead Police received a call about a retail theft at a CVS Pharmacy on Hanover Pike on January 8, involving three women who stole cosmetic and beauty products. Investigators later determined these women were responsible for nine retail thefts across the county that same day, also targeting Dollar General and Walgreens stores. Authorities identified the suspects as part of an organized retail theft ring operating across the region, and last week, the Calvert County Sheriff's Office helped Hampstead Police arrest several people, including two women connected to the Carroll County thefts, at two homes in West Baltimore.

  • On January 8, the three women allegedly stole cosmetic and beauty products from multiple stores across Carroll County.
  • Last week, several people, including two women connected to the Carroll County thefts, were arrested at two homes in West Baltimore.

The players

Hampstead Police

The local law enforcement agency that received the initial call about a retail theft at a CVS Pharmacy and led the investigation.

Calvert County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that assisted Hampstead Police in arresting several people, including two women connected to the Carroll County thefts, at two homes in West Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“It's a little alarming. I can't say I'm 100% shocked. It is a little surprising in Carroll County.”

— Mark, Carroll County resident (cbsnews.com)

“If three women can steal that much I think those products are way overpriced.”

— Gary Enciso, Carroll County resident (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on the bail conditions for the arrested suspects in the coming days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and local communities to address the growing problem of organized retail theft, which can have significant economic and safety implications for businesses and residents.