A retail theft mission has resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise.
On Friday, August 30, 2024, and Saturday, August 31, 2024, Central Precinct officers, in collaboration with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA) and multiple business partners, conducted a retail theft mission to combat retail theft in the Downtown Portland area. The work resulted in the recovery of approximately $2,773 worth of stolen goods. In addition, 17 people were arrested.
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 MCDA 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 is grateful to our partners and the MCDA Retail Theft Task Force for their collaboration aimed at addressing retail theft in the Portland Metropolitan area.
Photo description: Suspect in custody
Photo description: Suspect in custody
Photo description: Suspect in custody
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