The Holiday Crime Suppression Task Force operated in Downtown Silver Spring from December 2025 through January 2026, addressing retail theft, robberies, and organized shoplifting in cooperation with local retailers such as Ellsworth Place and Target. "This task force was implemented in response to increased retail theft during the holiday season and ongoing concerns from our business community," District Commander Jason Cokinos said, according to the Montgomery County Police Department.
The task force prevented any reported robberies and led to the arrest of 54 individuals for retail theft, auto theft, and drug-related offenses, with more than 268 traffic stops conducted. Their work also resulted in the seizure of two illegal handguns, and the initiative concluded on January 10, as reported by the Montgomery County Police Department.
The Montgomery County Police Department recovered over $8,000 in allegedly stolen merchandise from Target and made several arrests. On December 2, 2025, a fare-evading suspect at the Silver Spring Metro station was found with a loaded firearm. On December 8, 2025, a handgun was seized during a traffic stop. On December 17, 2025, a shoplifting suspect at Target was later linked to other regional crimes. The task force plans to continue similar operations.
