In a concerted effort to combat rising retail theft during the holiday season, the Portland Police Bureau joined forces with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, and Port of Portland Police for a three-day mission that resulted in the arrest of over 110 individuals and the recovery of stolen merchandise and vehicles.
From Friday, November 24, 2023, to Sunday, November 26, 2023, a team of 35 law enforcement personnel targeted popular shopping areas across Multnomah County, including Gresham Station Shopping Center, Gresham Town Fair, Oregon Trail Center, Gateway Shopping Center, Mall 205, Cascade Station Shopping Center, Jantzen Beach Center, and Hayden Meadows Square. The mission also focused on retail establishments in Historic Downtown Gresham, Downtown Portland, and along Northeast 122nd and Northwest 23rd Avenues.
The operation, announced earlier in the week, aimed to interrupt and apprehend shoplifters engaging in criminal activities, not only to address retail theft but also to curtail broader criminal involvement among the individuals. The final numbers are still being compiled, but preliminary reports indicate that more than 110 individuals were arrested on charges ranging from misdemeanor and felony warrants to offenses such as Theft in the First Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Theft in the Third Degree, Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
The collaborative effort also resulted in the recovery of nine stolen vehicles and more than $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Additionally, law enforcement seized drugs and drug paraphernalia during the mission.
According to officials, the holiday retail theft initiative underscores the commitment of Portland law enforcement agencies to create a safer shopping environment and enhance overall community well-being during the festive season. As the holiday season continues, similar collaborative efforts are expected to continue, demonstrating a proactive approach to crime prevention in the Portland metropolitan area.
“Missions like this one go a long way in improving livability across the area seeing as the individuals involved in shoplifting are often involved in criminal activity that extends far beyond retail theft,” stated a representative from the Portland Police Bureau. “Therefore, similar missions will continue for the foreseeable future to deter retail theft and other crimes across Portland.”
