In Clackamas County, the message to potential shoplifters is crystal clear and now on display for all to see. As reported by Clackamas County, the District Attorney's Office has rolled out hundreds of warning signs for local retailers, each one reading: "Shoplifting is prosecuted in Clackamas County." In an effort to curb rising theft, the office aims to make clear that shoplifting carries serious consequences.
The initiative comes after the DA's office charged 1,447 cases involving Theft in the Second Degree or Theft in the Third Degree up to early December this year, as per Clackamas County News. Each case typically involves retail theft, marking a significant concern for local businesses. District Attorney John Wentworth highlighted the broader impact of shoplifting, saying, "Shoplifters steal from all of us. Retail theft harms business owners, drives up prices and offends the community. These signs send a message: My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting thieves."
With financial support from a grant by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, the signs have been distributed to various major retailers in the county. High-profile stores such as Walmart, Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Macy's have already posted these warnings. Wentworth's office is determined to reinforce the area's safety and livability, stating, "We'll take every step we can, large or small, to accomplish our mission," as stated by Clackamas County.
For more details about the signs or to request one, local retailers are encouraged to call the DA's office at 503-655-8431 and ask for the Property Supervisor or to email Senior Deputy District Attorney Stacey Borgman at [email protected].
