The Lynnwood Police Department on Thursday arrested eight people following a sting conducted in conjunction with the Lynnwood Lowe’s and Home Depot stores.
According to Lynnwood police spokesperson Commander Patrick Fagan, officers were placed in the stores with asset protection personnel so that police could immediately detain and charge subjects for theft- and/or shoplifting-related crimes.
“The Lynnwood Police Department arrested all persons who were observed concealing merchandise and walking out of the store without paying for said merchandise,” Fagan said. In total, there were seven arrests for theft-related crimes, one arrest due intoxication and three that were drug-related, in which suspects were stealing merchandise to later sell and then use the money to purchase drugs, he added. All subjects were also trespassed from the affected property.
Retail theft has increased significantly over the last few years to the point where only a handful are being reported to police, Fagan noted. At one point during the operation, there were six to 10 visible marked patrol units in the parking lot with emergency lights activated, and subjects were still entering the store with the intent to steal merchandise, he said.
The Lynnwood Police Department plans to do more operations in the near future with other businesses in Lynnwood.
It’s about time! I’m a transit driver, and I frequently have people getting on with stolen merchandise. I know because they still have the basket from the store! It’s been depressing to see that no one cared. Glad someone is finally starting to.
Amen it is about time thank you Lynwood Police
The police did their job , now we need the Prosecutors and judges to do their job.
Knowing our state reputation of being “soft on crime” I see a slap on the wrist, 30 days community service or something on that order.
So glad that the Lynnwood PD started busting these people in the ring of thieves . This has been going on to often at all of the retail stores and the Alderwood Mall areas . Even yesterday as we were at the Safeway store on 196th St SW & Hwy 99 at the check out stand a co worker behind us asked the other co worker – Did you see that full cart of groceries just go out the door ? Her reply was – Well we will price it and write off the retail of it. Hopefully they start doing something about that soon. People running out of all the stores loaded with liquor all the time .
Ya wonder where their parties will be in town ?
Bravo to our brave police officers for arresting these jerks for stealing merchandise from stores. It’s about time! We have to come down tougher on these criminals or this chaos will escalate even more, & it’s already been bad these past few years. Congrats to our LEOS & the leaders behind them.
Thank You to the Boys in Blue in Lynnwood! This has got to be punished or it will continue. It’s causing prices to increase. Where are these thief’s coming from in state, out of state? It’s amazing the out right non-chalance the thief’s have to just walk out with store merchandise without a care for the consequences. Life long cons. Drug addiction should be a crime if it leads to criminal activity.
Thanks to the Lynnwood Police! There should be consequences for our actions, for the good and bad.
Thanks for all your efforts to keep the peace, protect and uphold the law. Thank you!
Good job Lynnwood Police Officers!! It is comforting to know our Lynnwood officers are out there protecting us and our property. The do a good job every day and deserve our appreciation and respect.
The Lynnwood Police Department Officers quickly respond and should be backed up by the criminal system prosecutors. Thank you LPD for making a difference in our community!