TUKWILA, Wash. — The Tukwila Police Department is asking for public assistance to identify a suspect accused of stealing coats from a local department store.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to email tips@tukwilawa.gov or call the Tukwila Police Department non-emergency line at 206-241-2121.
The police department also addressed online commentary regarding retail theft identification posts on social media.
Tukwila PD says the theft highlights a broader regional trend, as Washington ranks first in the nation for organized retail crime (ORC). According to police, organized retail theft accounts for nearly $3 billion in losses annually across the state and results in approximately $603 million in lost state and local tax revenue each year.
The agency clarified that officers were looking to prevent deliberate theft-for-profit operations, rather than individuals taking items for personal need.
Here is their statement, in part:
“ORC is a major issue in our region and is often associated with stolen motor vehicles, strong-arm robberies, narcotics, firearms and other offenses,” wrote Tukwila PD. “Many of those committing these offenses are doing so up and down I-5 and even in numerous states. These are individuals that are committing “shoplift for profit” thefts. They are not just trying to put clothes on their back. They are reselling the stolen merchandise online, at swap meets and other places in the region. They are oftentimes very aggressive and or violent towards store employees, recklessly flee in vehicles that are often stolen even if they’re not being pursued and have no qualms in resisting arrest and or assaulting officers taking them into custody which just occurred here several days ago. In short, these are usually the start of a string of serious crimes that impact everyone. We will continue to seek to identify those responsible for ORC in our city and work with our regional partners to combat this growing issue."
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