A coordinated retail theft operation involving officers from the Kent Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit resulted in 12 arrests at multiple stores on East Hill last week, according to information released by the department.
Police said the operation involved eight stores where CRU officers, patrol officers, the Neighborhood Response Team and store security conducted simultaneous shoplifting emphases.
The department said it was the first time it had run a multi-store sting of this type in Kent. All reported stolen merchandise was recovered.
According to police, officers encountered shoplifting incidents as soon as they arrived to set up the operation. At Ross, officers arrested a 35-year-old woman who left the store with stolen items valued at $147 dollars. Police said she had multiple warrants.
A short time later, police said a 35-year-old Kent man was detained after running from Ross with a duffle bag of merchandise. The man told police he intended to sell the stolen items and was arrested for theft and assault for pushing a staff member while leaving the store. Police reported the staff member was not injured.
At Home Depot, police said a 32-year-old Bonney Lake man attempted to flee with concealed merchandise. The man was arrested and booked on theft and multiple warrants after dropping the items while running from officers.
According to police, Harbor Freight reported a 51-year-old Kent man who left the store with a generator worth $389 dollars. Officers located the man walking with the generator toward a nearby apartment and arrested him for theft and warrants.
Police said Target staff reported a 32-year-old Federal Way man who concealed items and left the store. He later ditched the merchandise but was arrested for multiple warrants.
In another incident at Target, police said a 25-year-old Seattle woman was arrested for theft after concealing a bottle of liquor and leaving the store. She also had a felony warrant in Oregon and will be extradited, police said.
Police said two men aged 23 and 25 were arrested at Ross after loading duffle bags with $600 in merchandise and leaving the store. They were arrested for theft and attempted trafficking of stolen property.
Officers said a 35-year-old Everett man left Harbor Freight with stolen items and reached his vehicle before being stopped and arrested. Police said he was driving on a suspended license and his car was impounded.
Kent Police said additional arrests were made. Officers reported that most suspects intended to resell the merchandise and had outstanding warrants. All recovered products were returned to the stores.
“A huge thank to CRU for organizing the blitz, to every officer who worked hard during this operation, to every member of store staff who collaborated with us, and to our residents who support our efforts,” police said in a statement.
The department said it intends to continue similar operations and encouraged public awareness to deter retail theft in Kent.
