A retail theft mission has resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise, drugs, and an unlawfully possessed firearm.
On Friday, August 23, 2024, North Precinct officers and the precinct’s Neighborhood Response Team (NRT), in collaboration with the Organized Retail Crime Association of Oregon, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA), and multiple business partners, conducted a retail theft mission to combat retail theft in the Jantzen Beach area. The work resulted in the recovery of approximately $1,000 worth of stolen goods, the recovery of one stolen vehicle, the recovery of an unlawfully possessed firearm, and the recovery of seven ounces of methamphetamine. In addition, 18 people were either arrested or cited.
During retail theft missions, PPB members work directly with 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.
