Multi-Agency Retail Theft Mission Nets 14 Arrests -10/29/24

Beaverton, Oregon—On October 25, 2024, the Beaverton Police Department, in coordination with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, executed a focused Retail Theft Mission across six major retail locations in Washington County, including Fred Meyer, REI, Home Depot, and Kohl's. 

The joint operation resulted in 14 arrests on charges related to retail theft and outstanding warrants. Law enforcement worked closely with in-store loss prevention teams to apprehend individuals involved in organized and repeat shoplifting incidents. 

Retail theft remains a significant issue in Oregon, contributing to substantial financial losses for businesses and price increases for consumers. Nationally, organized retail crime (ORC) costs retailers billions annually, with the National Retail Federation estimating losses at approximately $112.1 billion in 2022 due to theft, fraud, and organized crime. Oregon has seen an increase in these crimes, leading to local efforts, including the Washington County District Attorney’s Office's retail theft symposium and collaborative task forces designed to address ORC through prevention, law enforcement collaboration, and prosecution efforts. 

The Beaverton Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office are committed to deterring retail theft and enhancing community safety by supporting operations that hold offenders accountable. 

This mission was funded with grant dollars from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission as part of the Washington County Organized Retail Theft Task Force's commitment to combating retail theft in Washington County. 

For more information, please contact the Beaverton Police Department Public Information Officer, Matt Henderson at 971.217.7470. ###