The Issaquah Police Department (IPD) continues to work with the local business community to address recent retail theft.
In the last week alone, officers responded to theft calls at a series of Issaquah locations including Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Fred Meyer.
In total, police arrested six suspects, who stole a variety of items including video games, electric razors, cordless vacuums, backpacks filled with smaller items, and in one instance, $300 worth of contraceptives and heartburn medication.
These thefts of everyday items are sometimes tied to organized groups in the region that resell the stolen goods for profit.
Some of the recent shoplifting suspects were also carrying small amounts of narcotics or paraphernalia, suspected stolen credit cards, and/or weapons like hatchets, crowbars and brass knuckles.
Issaquah Police – who continue to urge retailers to institute smart, safe practices to reduce and deter theft in their stores – also participates in a local Retail Loss Prevention group of businesses that meets regularly to share tips and enhance communications.
Learn more from Interim Chief Paula Schwan about how businesses can help prevent shoplifting.
Thank you to our business community for its continued partnership.