A recent crackdown on retail theft in Tigard, spearheaded by local law enforcement and bolstered by a substantial federal grant, resulted in a sweep that netted 21 arrests and the recovery of stolen goods and drugs, among other items. The operation is a part of the latest efforts to reduce retail crime in Washington County, following a $1.5 million federal grant awarded to the Washington County District Attorney’s office dedicated to addressing this issue. During the operation, Tigard Police, working in tandem with the police department's Commercial Crimes Unit (CCU) and store loss prevention teams, managed to take down a series of individuals allegedly involved in theft and other crimes.

According to a report from the City of Tigard, the event took place on Friday, September 6th, and resulted in the arrest of individuals on charges that included theft, the possession of burglary tools, the alleged possession of methamphetamine, and several outstanding warrants. Officers also navigated additional incidents during the operation, such as a foot pursuit that ended in an arrest, and the investigation of a suspicious package, which was ultimately deemed harmless.

The mission yielded not just arrests but also the retrieval of merchandise valued at approximately $1,700. Among the recovered items was a replica handgun — later identified as an airsoft gun — found in the possession of an arrested juvenile.

Interagency collaboration played a critical role in the mission's success, as Tigard Police was supported by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police, Beaverton Police, and the assistance of, the Washington County DA’s Office. The partnership allowed for an on-the-ground approach as officers and detectives worked within the retail environments to directly combat theft as it unfolded.