The Seattle Police Department recognizes organized retail theft negatively impacts many local businesses, and with a high concentration of high-end retailers, University Village in the University District has become a frequent target.
Recently, SPD’s Community Response Group officers have been conducting organized retail theft operations throughout the city to prevent and deter theft and shoplifting. This past Thursday, January 26th, GRG officers partnered with seven U-Village retailers located within the 2600 block of Northeast University Village Street to look for people suspected of committing the crimes of theft and shoplifting. Officers also addressed other crimes as needed.
Throughout the day, CRG officers working with store employees identified five shoplifting subjects who were observed concealing merchandise and exiting stores without paying for the items. Officers arrested four 16-year-old and one 18-year-old female suspects and recovered stolen merchandise totaling more than $1,000.00.
The five suspects face charges of shoplifting, which is a misdemeanor, so were not booked into jail at this time. However, SPD will be requesting criminal charges be filed.
