Retail theft offenses in Pennsylvania have increased after years of decline. The crime has increased by 53% from 2021 to 2023 in the state, according to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
The state court system reviewed the number of retail theft cases filed throughout the state from 2019-23.
In Somerset County, there was an increase of 0.37% over the five years. In 2019, there were 180 cases, those numbers reduced over the next two years to 90, but in 2022 the number of retail theft cases slightly increased to 106 in 2023. Over that time, 27 other counties had less of an increase in retail thefts and 40 other counties had more of an increase, according to the study.
Latest in Somerset
On Dec. 30, state police responded to a report of counterfeit transactions at Walmart in Somerset County. Troopers arrived as the suspect fled from the store on foot. They gave chase, and he was apprehended. The man had more than $400 in counterfeit currency on his person, according to Somerset County District Attorney Molly Metzgar.
The suspect, Steven Ranke, of New Jersey, was wanted for retail theft and a suspect in an organized retail theft ring involving 24 retail stores across numerous states, she said. The theft ring caused more than $16,000 in financial losses, in the last 60 days alone, Metzgar said.
Ranke was charged with felony forgery, as well as, misdemeanors evading arrest, receiving stolen property and flight charges. He was lodged in the Somerset County Jail on a $200,000 straight bond set by District Judge William Seger of Windber. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 14 before District Judge Scott Walker of Somerset.
“Crimes like these ultimately cost hardworking, law-abiding Americans every day. I believe that we must be vigilant, and push back against theft of all types to preserve our way of life that is ultimately built on trust and safety,” Metzgar wrote in a media release.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Retail theft ring suspect charged, one of many such cases filed in PA