Police arrest 25 in retail theft mission at Mall 205, Gateway Shopping Center

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland police made dozens of arrests over the weekend during a retail theft mission at Mall 205 and the Gateway Shopping Center areas, authorities said.

During the Nov. 25 retail theft mission, 25 people were arrested, $1,146 worth of stolen goods were recovered and a stolen car and stolen gun were seized, the Portland Police Bureau said in a release.

PPB said they worked with partnering law enforcement agencies to conduct the retail theft mission, including the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Police said they will work with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office to "ensure prosecution on these cases."

"Retail theft is often more than just shoplifting items for personal use. Many suspects are involved in organized theft rings. That entails stealing items that can easily be sold for cash on the secondary market or returned to stores for a 'refund,'" PPB said. "Returning or attempting to return stolen property, no matter the value, is a class-C felony"

Though retail theft missions like these often focus on larger shopping complexes, police said they hope to deter thieves who target small businesses by "holding prolific thieves accountable."