Washington State Attorney and gubernatorial candidate General Bob Ferguson provided an update on efforts to combat organized retail crime during the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s Safety & Security Summit held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.
Ferguson emphasized the growing impact of organized theft on businesses across the state and highlighted recent successes achieved by his staff.
Speaking to local chamber members at the monthly luncheon, Ferguson acknowledged the widespread concern over retail crime.
“Organized retail crime has become a huge issue all across our state and nationally as well,” he said.
Ferguson outlined his office’s strategy to combat these sophisticated criminal operations, which often involve stealing products and reselling them online. He noted that these activities not only harm businesses but also pose risks to public health. For example, he warned that stolen baby formula, if not stored properly, could endanger infants’ health when sold online.
To address these crimes, Ferguson’s office created a specialized task force two years ago. The task force, which includes law enforcement, online sellers, and workers, has focused on prosecuting cases that often span multiple jurisdictions. Ferguson highlighted a recent case where an individual was convicted of four felony charges related to thefts totaling $145,000 from Target stores in Kitsap, Pierce, and King counties.