Latest shoplifting mission nabs 17 in downtown Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- In their latest operation, another 17 people were arrested August 30 in a coordinated retail theft mission in downtown Portland.

Businesses in downtown collaborated with both Portland police and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office in this particular event, officials said. Nearly $2,800 in stolen goods was recovered.

But police officials said these missions do more than catch shoplifters. "Many suspects are involved in organized theft rings. That entails stealing items that can easily be sold for cash on the secondary market or returned to stores for a 'refund,'" which is a felony, PPB said in a statement.

Many times those arrested in these missions are also involved in "illegally possessed guns, drug possession and distribution, vehicle theft" and other crimes, authorities said. However, it's unclear at this time if any of the 17 arrested last Friday were connected to other crimes.

More missions are planned but, not surprisingly, authorities did not say where or when.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow these stories.