News Summary
Tia Hamilton, owner of DiGi Business Center in Baltimore, has been victimized by the same thief in three burglaries over eight months, leading to concerns over community safety. Despite security measures, Hamilton feels vulnerable and is seeking public help in identifying the burglar. Her willingness to offer the thief a job rather than pursue legal action underscores the challenges faced by small business owners in safeguarding their livelihood while fostering community understanding.
Baltimore business owner Tia Hamilton has been the victim of the same thief in three separate break-ins over the span of eight months, raising concerns about safety and security in the community. The first robbery occurred on February 6, when the suspect broke in through a back alley window, stealing the cash register and its contents. This was followed by two more burglaries; the second incident took place on September 30, and the third on October 2, with a total loss exceeding $1,200.
Hamilton, who operates the DiGi Business Center located on Greenmount Avenue, believes the incidents are linked due to the similarities in the method of entry and the thief’s agility. Surveillance footage from the store shows the burglar entering through the back rooms without causing destruction to property. In the second robbery, the same cash register was stolen, while in the third, the thief tore open packages that were prepared for shipment after being unable to access the store’s safe.
Despite having cameras installed in her business, Hamilton noted that there is no alarm system, which has left her feeling vulnerable. As a precaution, she has started keeping all her money in a safe, having removed cash registers from the store after the repeated thefts. Hamilton suspects that the burglar must be “super skinny” to fit through the barred window at the back of her store, making her believe that the thief might be a teenager based on their choices during the thefts and their mannerisms.
In response to the ongoing thefts, Hamilton has installed new locks on her windows to enhance security. She expressed feelings of violation and hurt from the repeated targeting of her business, which she emphasized is a critical service in the Greenmount community. She has called for public assistance in identifying the thief, underlining the impact of these crimes on her livelihood and the community around her.
Baltimore City Police are actively investigating the thefts; however, they have not established any suspects due to the burglar wearing gloves and a face covering during the incidents. The police efforts are ongoing but they continue to seek information from the public that may lead to the identification of the individual responsible for these crimes.
In a surprising twist, Hamilton stated that she is willing to talk to the burglar and offer a job instead of pursuing legal action, suggesting an understanding of the underlying issues that might lead someone to commit theft. This sentiment illustrates a unique perspective on community concerns while highlighting the challenges that small business owners like Hamilton face in maintaining safety and security.
The three separate burglaries at DiGi Business Center have left the local business community in Baltimore shaken, with many owners expressing solidarity with Hamilton. The total amount stolen across all three incidents underscores the financial toll that crime can take on small businesses, particularly in areas striving to grow and thrive amidst various challenges. With the continued support of the community and local authorities, Hamilton hopes to safeguard her business from further incidents and to foster a safer environment for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore: Burglar Targeting Baltimore Business
- Wikipedia: Baltimore
- Baltimore Sun: Pigtown Small Business Burglarized
- Google Search: Small Business Security Issues
- WMAR News: Business Is Booming But Stolen Checks Are Impacting Baltimore Company
- Google Scholar: Business Theft Impact
- CBS News: Organized Retail Theft Accountability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Organized Retail Theft
- Afro News: Baltimore Activist’s Grill Stolen
- Google News: Baltimore Theft News
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
