Posted on 09/08/25
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 8, 2025 - A brazen shoplifting incident at Accents Wine and Spirits in Pikesville has left the store's owner, Larry Franks, grappling with the aftermath. The incident, which occurred in just over a minute, resulted in the theft of high-end tequila and other items valued between $1,200 and $1,400.
Armani, an employee at the store, initially mistook the three women involved for regular customers. "I said my 'hi, how are you doing,' they always say hi," Armani said.
However, the situation quickly escalated when the women, all wearing black COVID masks, began stuffing their bags with bottles. One of the women distracted Armani by asking about a product, while the other two grabbed bottles from the top shelf and fled the store.
Franks, who has owned the store for three years, expressed frustration over the increasing shoplifting incidents in the area. "This is ongoing. I’ve probably filed about five police reports in the last month or so," he said.
Franks also noted that other local businesses are facing similar challenges, citing a nearby Safeway that reportedly loses about $750 daily to shoplifting.
Baltimore County Police are investigating the incident, and a partial fingerprint was recovered from a bottle left behind by one of the suspects, according to Franks.
Franks emphasized the broader impact of such thefts, stating, "We’ve got 56 employees and if something like this nips away and ends up causing you to go bankrupt it puts, you know the employees at risk. It puts their employment at risk." He urged the perpetrators to consider the consequences of their actions, saying, "The thieves are not really thinking this through until the end. They’re just thinking of their own selfish needs."