Retail Theft Mission Results in Arrests, Recovery of Stolen Merchandise (Photo)

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December 06, 2024 10:28

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A retail theft mission resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise.

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Central Precinct’s Neighborhood Response Team, in collaboration with North Precinct’s NRT, East Precinct’s NRT, and Public Safety Support Specialists, conducted a retail theft mission in Downtown Portland and the Pearl District. The goal of the mission was to assist businesses impacted by chronic shoplifting. PPB’s efforts resulted in 11 arrests and the recovery of approximately $2,428 in stolen merchandise.

During retail theft missions, PPB members work directly with our retail partners to identify, apprehend, and work toward prosecution of these offenders. Following each retail theft mission, officers conduct follow-up and work closely with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to ensure prosecution on these cases.

Retail theft is often more than just shoplifting items for personal use. Many suspects are involved in organized theft rings. That entails stealing items that can easily be sold for cash on the secondary market or returned to stores for a “refund.” Returning or attempting to return stolen property, no matter the value, is a class-C felony (https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_164.055 ).

In many cases, these individuals are involved in criminal activity that extends far beyond retail theft, including illegally possessed guns, drug possession and distribution, vehicle theft, and more. Additionally, disrupting theft preserves the viability of retail businesses that serve the Portland community. Therefore, these missions go a long way in improving livability across the area. Mission commanders analyze theft and other crime data to focus their missions on the neighborhoods most impacted by these crimes, which are often large retail shopping complexes.

PPB recognizes that smaller local businesses are also impacted by retail theft and it is our belief and goal that arresting and holding prolific thieves accountable will help reduce these crimes for the entire business community.

PPB would like to thank its partners for their collaboration aimed at addressing retail theft in the Portland Metropolitan area.

Photo description: Suspect arrested
Photo description: Suspect arrested
Photo description: Suspect arrested
Photo description: Stolen merchandise recovered
Photo description: Police vehicles

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