Beach Theft Cases Solved

During late September and early October of 2012, Ocean City Police received several reports involving thefts of property from the public beach areas south of 28^th Street.  During the investigation, officers noticed similarities involving the various victims’ reports.  The suspect description was similar as was the type of items being stolen.

On October 5, 2012, at approximately 2:15 p.m. patrol officers responded to a theft of a purse at 16^th street and the beach.  When officers arrived at the scene they were met by an off-duty Hagerstown police officer, as well as a previous victim who reported a theft of her purse from the beach the previous day.  This previous victim began observing the suspect, identified as Lindsey Marie Lopez, 23, of Berlin; attempt to steal a purse from the beach at 16^th Street.  The off-duty officer detained Lopez until OCPD patrol officers arrived at the scene. 

Officers recovered the stolen purse. Based on witness and victim statements, as well as information obtained during the investigation, police were able to link Lopez to at least nine additional thefts which had occurred between mid-September and early October.  Due to the cumulative value of the stolen property, Lopez was charged with Felony Theft Scheme.

At the time of Lopez’s arrest she was found in possession of a hypodermic syringe, which she admitted was illegal drug paraphernalia.

Lopez was charged with:

• 9 counts of misdemeanor theft
• Felony Theft Scheme
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (syringe)

Lopez was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was held on $10,000 bond. The investigation is on-going and Ocean City Police are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim of this crime scheme to please contact Ocean City Police, Officer Moerschel at: 410-520-5368.