The cities of Seattle and Spokane have recently put a much-needed focus on increasing public safety and cracking down on retail theft. WR commends the efforts and the leadership of King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle Prosecuting Attorney Ann Davison, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz, the Seattle Downtown Association, Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward, and Spokane police chief Craig Meidl.

Many cities have seen criminal activity increase during the pandemic and following the passage of overly restrictive policing laws. Public safety and holding criminals accountable have become focal points highlighted in recent Seattle Times and Spokesman-Review articles.

The Seattle Prosecutor’s “High Utilizer Initiative” shows promising results as it pulls together several city and county agencies to go after repeat offenders. Like the HUI, Spokane Mayor Woodard has pulled together a task force to look at repeat offenders and violent crimes in an effort to aggregate this into higher charges.

Public safety and retail theft, which go hand in hand, are Washington Retail’s number one issue. Our association, our board of directors, and members met with key officials in Seattle, King County, and Spokane, to share our experiences and ask for solutions and partnerships to address these growing concerns. We are encouraged and pleased at the results and will continue expanding and increasing efforts in other areas.

If you are a retailer, please download our free Organized Retail Theft: Insights for Retailers guide.