Jan. 8, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. The Redmond Police Department maintains ongoing partnerships with local retailers, including Fred Meyer, Target, and Kohl’s, to deter shoplifting through emphasis patrols and public assistance appeals on social media.
The department routinely shares calls for public help identifying theft suspects on its Facebook page and website. These efforts address persistent retail theft issues in the city.
In emphasis operations detailed by the Redmond Reporter, police collaborated with the businesses, resulting in 13 detainments and 11 arrests. Over $5,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered, along with a loaded firearm and approximately 100 grams of fentanyl pills. One additional arrest was made for driving under the influence.
Specific patrols included one on July 28, 2022, where officers’ visible presence outside stores led to five arrests after eight suspects attempted thefts from two locations. Two of those arrested had outstanding warrants for prior thefts. Another operation on May 26, 2022, yielded six arrests, with suspects possessing tools like screwdrivers and snippers used to bypass security.
“Redmond has experienced a surge in retail theft in recent years. Retail stores alone lose thousands of dollars a month from shoplifting. We are doing our part to deter thieves by making arrests and charging individuals for their crimes. We also continually work with prosecutors to ensure there is accountability for repeat offenders.”
— Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe
KIRO 7 News reported similar details on the two-month patrol period in 2022, noting 431 shoplifting incidents in 2021, causing over $330,000 in losses, and 355 incidents in 2022 up to that point, with more than $283,000 lost.
In a more recent related incident, RPD used a drone on Oct. 3, 2025, to locate a theft suspect who fled a Redmond Target store, highlighting continued use of technology in theft responses.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the non-emergency line at 425-556-2500.
