The Tukwila Police Department is ramping up efforts to combat organized retail crime (ORC) after being selected as one of three agencies statewide to receive a share of a $1 million grant awarded to the Washington Organized Retail Crime Association (WAORCA).
Organized retail crime is estimated to cost Washington state’s retail industry upwards of $3 billion annually in merchandise losses. Unlike small-scale shoplifting, ORC involves the theft of high-value items such as power tools, designer clothing, handbags, and perfumes, often resold for profit through various channels.
The Tukwila Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit (SEU) has launched targeted operations in partnership with local retailers, leading to multiple arrests, including individuals with active felony and misdemeanor warrants.
These stings also aim to address the regional nature of ORC, as suspects often target multiple retailers across jurisdictions.
The department emphasized that repeat offenders and those with ORC intent are now being booked into jail rather than released on the scene, signaling a shift from pandemic-era practices of “catch, cite, and release.” Officers reported that suspects, often accustomed to leniency, have expressed surprise at facing tougher consequences.
“We look forward to working with our WAORCA partners to combat ORC and thank our retail partners for assisting us in our continued efforts to curb ORC in our region,” police said in a statement.
