Five people have been charged in connection with a series of retail thefts from a Kohl’s department store in Forest Hill, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Police say the suspectsallegedly stole more than $4,500 in merchandise using a suitcase to conceal the items.

The thefts occurred on three occasions in October and November. In each incident, the suspects loaded merchandise into a suitcase, placed it near the store’s front doors, and then exited without paying. The stolen goods included Nike sneakers, clothing, jewelry and other items.

Police say that a search warrant executed at one of the suspects’ homes on Dec. 4 led to the recovery of some stolen merchandise and an unserialized handgun belonging to another suspect.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler said retail thefts impact the whole community: “Retail theft doesn’t only victimize the store, it victimizes our community. Retail theft is not tolerated in Harford County.”

The suspects face multiple charges, including organized retail theft and possession of an unserialized handgun.

Have a news tip? Contact Lexi Nicklaus at aknicklaus@sbgtv.com.