King County prosecutors are filing more retail theft cases as part of a renewed effort to address repeat offenders who target the same stores across the Seattle region. Prosecutors report that 640 felony economic and property crime cases were charged in 2025, the highest total since 2019. That compares with 506 cases in 2024 and 367 in 2023. The increase is largely attributed to more cases being referred by law enforcement as officers have greater capacity to pursue nonviolent crimes.
Recent filings include multiple felony organized retail theft cases involving Ulta Beauty stores in North Seattle. According to charging documents, investigators allege repeated thefts of fragrances and other health and beauty products over a period of weeks, in some cases spanning locations from North Seattle to Federal Way. Surveillance footage, loss prevention records, and merchandise tracking technology were used to connect incidents across time and stores. Prosecutors note that small, high value items such as beauty products, electronics, and metals are frequently targeted because they can be concealed and resold quickly.
Retail theft has broader impacts beyond inventory loss. WR notes that theft affects employee safety, store operations, and ultimately consumer prices. Industry data cited by WR shows that 54% of retailers nationally report increases in theft by repeat offenders, and many retailers report that fewer than half of incidents are reported to police due to limited response or losses falling below felony thresholds.
A joint report from Challenge Seattle and WR describes organized retail theft as a repeat offender issue that often requires months of coordination among retailers, police, and prosecutors before cases can be combined for felony charges.
Looking ahead, retail groups are supporting HB 2209, legislation intended to strengthen tools for addressing organized retail theft, with a focus on repeat and higher impact offenders. Supporters say the bill is narrowly tailored and does not target everyday shoplifting.
