On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's North Precinct, in collaboration with patrol officers, PPB'S Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Unit, K9 Unit, business partners, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, and the Organized Retail Crime Association of Oregon, conducted a retail theft mission focused on the Jantzen Beach and Delta Park areas. Efforts resulted in more than 20 arrests and the recovery of more than $2,600 in stolen merchandise.
Mission Results:
24 Arrests
1 Stolen vehicle recovered
$2,612 Value of stolen merchandise recovered
19 grams of illicit drugs seized
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.
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