Bensalem Twp Directof Public Safety, WilliamMcVey
The Bensalem Secure Theft Reduction Task Force, launched in early 2024 to combat retail shoplifting and business theft throughout Bucks County’s largest municipality, is reporting measurable success. New data shows retail theft incidents have declined significantly while law enforcement continues to solve and prosecute an impressive percentage of cases.
Between January and May 2026, retail theft incidents in Bensalem decreased 16 percent from the same period in 2025. At the same time, police closed cases at an impressive 78 percent clearance rate.
The results build on a positive trend that began after the launch of the Bensalem Secure Theft Reduction Task Force. Following a spike in retail thefts in 2024, reported incidents fell 29 percent in 2025.
“This is exactly the type of outcome we hoped to achieve when we brought together business leaders, law enforcement, and community stakeholders,” said Bob Norkus, Executive Director of the Bensalem Economic Development Corporation (BEDC). “Retail theft is not just a big-city problem. It impacts businesses of every size, affects employees, drives up costs for consumers, and threatens economic growth. These results demonstrate that prevention, partnership, and prosecution can work together to make a real difference.”
The Bensalem Secure Theft Reduction Task Force was established through a partnership among the Bensalem Economic Development Corporation, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo’s Office, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bensalem Police Department. The initiative was designed to address both external retail theft and internal business theft through a combination of education, technology, reporting resources, information and intelligence sharing, and enforcement.
Key elements of the program include:
The Bensalem Secure anonymous theft-reporting hotline for employees and community members.
Free storefront decals and posters warning would-be offenders that theft crimes are actively investigated and prosecuted.
Participation in the Fusus cloud-based camera network, which enables businesses to voluntarily share video resources with law enforcement to improve investigations and response times.
Ongoing theft-prevention workshops and business outreach programs.
Advanced investigative technologies operated by the Bensalem Police Department, including a network of intersection cameras, license plate readers, and drone technology.
“Strong partnerships with our business community have allowed us to identify trends faster, respond more effectively, and hold offenders accountable,” said William McVey, Bensalem Director of Public Safety. “The reduction in theft incidents, combined with our high clearance rate, shows that a proactive and collaborative approach can produce meaningful results. We remain committed to protecting businesses, employees, and shoppers throughout Bensalem Township.”
Bensalem Police officials note that retail theft remains an ongoing challenge nationwide, but local businesses have become increasingly engaged in prevention efforts through information sharing, training opportunities, and participation in Bensalem Secure initiatives.
“Our businesses have embraced the concept that theft prevention is a shared responsibility,” Norkus added. “By working together, we are creating a safer environment for commerce and sending a clear message that Bensalem is committed to protecting its business community.”
Businesses interested in learning more about Bensalem Secure resources, theft-prevention workshops, or participation in the camera-sharing network can contact BEDC at [email protected], call 484-354-0287, or visit BensalemEDC.org.
About Bensalem Economic Development Corporation
Established in 1988, the Bensalem Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) fosters strategic economic development opportunities in Bensalem with a focus on quality of life, providing inclusive and equitable opportunities, and maintaining respect for the environment. The organization works hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to achieve smart, sustainable growth while facilitating the development of streamlined business protocols integrated with Bensalem Township’s Comprehensive Plan. BEDC offers guidance to businesses and nonprofits of all sizes through workshops, forums, valuable connections, and free access to resources, including location services, talent sourcing, and funding, grants, and loans. BEDC is a private nonprofit organization, self-funded and sustained through business investment. BensalemEDC.org