Bedford police are asking the public for help identifying a suspect in a theft investigation at Marshall's, the latest in a series of retail theft cases the department has worked through this year. The incident occurred on October 9, according to the Bedford Police Department, and investigators have not yet named a suspect.
Police identified Officer Wilhemly as the point of contact for anyone with information, as reported by Newport Dispatch. Wilhemly can be reached at 603-472-5113, extension 234, and anyone providing information is asked to reference case number 2026-025413. Tipsters who prefer to stay anonymous can text 888777, starting the message with TIP BEDFORDNHPD followed by the details.
Part of a Busy Year for Bedford Theft Cases
This is not the first time this year that Bedford police have turned to the public for help tracking down a suspect tied to the same store. In July, officers sought a man wanted in connection with a theft at Marshall's Department Store, and in that case the department released a photo of the suspect, per the same outlet's reporting. It is not established whether the July case and the October 9 incident are connected.
Bedford investigators have also pursued an unusual case involving a trail sign repeatedly taken from a local nature preserve. In that investigation, police said a suspect removed a Trail Rules sign multiple times from the Piscataquog Land Conservancy Florance M. Tarr Wildlife Sanctuary Trail System, describing the man as a middle-aged white male of average height and build, the Newport Dispatch reported. That case, like the July Marshall's theft, relied on the same public tip process now being used for the October 9 investigation.
A String of Retail Theft Reports in Bedford
The town's Marshall's location has drawn police attention more than once. In March 2022, a man was accused by police of stealing a 61-year-old woman's purse from her shopping cart while she was in the store, according to WMUR. Surveillance video from that incident showed the suspect driving off on a white moped with purses hanging around his shoulder, the station reported.
No suspect has been identified, and no arrest or charges have been reported in connection with the October 9 theft. Bedford police have not released a photo or video from this specific case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Wilhemly directly or submit an anonymous tip by text using the case number and procedure outlined above.
