Police in Portland, Oregon, said they arrested three dozen people and recovered thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods over the weekend as part of a crackdown on retail theft.
The Portland Police Bureau said they apprehended 24 theft suspects Saturday and took an additional 13 people into custody on theft-related charges Sunday.
Plus, 36 people who had outstanding arrest warrants were taken to jail during the joint operation with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, according to police.
Authorities said nearly $5,000 of stolen goods and four stolen cars were recovered during the sweep.
Police didn’t offer details about how the operation was carried out.
PPB Sgt. Craig Andersen did tell local CBS affiliate KOIN that officers working the operation can pick out theft suspects because they “will go in the store and they will be in there for hours.”
Theft missions were conducted at Target and Fred Meyer stores in the city as well as at Mall 205 and the Gateway shopping center.
Authorities said retail theft operations are being ramped up during the holidays to protect local businesses from losing out during their busy season.
Police said theft is up 80% in Portland this year.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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