PORTLAND, Ore. — Several dozen arrests were made and nearly $5,000 in stolen property was recovered this weekend on the east and west side of the city.
Portland police said they were conducting retail theft missions in partnership with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and loss prevention services.
"This is part of our continued work over the holiday season to prevent retail theft in the community," Portland Police Bureau said.
24 people were arrested on Saturday and more than $3,500 in stolen property was recovered along with two stolen vehicles. 13 people wanted on outstanding warrants were taken to jail.
On Sunday, another 13 people were arrested and 23 were served on their outstanding warrants. $1,400 in stolen items was seized along with another pair of stolen vehicles.
These missions come nearly three weeks after a joint operation was announced by law enforcement to crack down on retail theft in Multnomah County during the holidays. It was stated then that theft in Portland has increased by roughly 80% since last year.
In May, a pair of task forces aimed at combatting auto theft and organized retail theft were announced by Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and local law enforcement agencies.
Two months earlier, Portland police announced they'd start conducting sting operations in targeted areas where retail theft is high.
A new law signed by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek over the summer which makes it easier to prosecute organized retail crime rings and potentially result in tougher sentences goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
KGW has documented the impact of shoplifting and organized retail crime throughout Portland over the past few years. It has caused retailers to hire private security guards, lock down items, change store layouts, reduce hours or close their doors such as Target which recently closed three of its Portland stores.