Image: Redmond PD
The Redmond Police Department is using real-time intelligence and information sharing to help connect retail theft incidents across businesses and jurisdictions, according to an October 13 article published by Police1. The approach has helped investigators link individual theft reports to broader investigations involving multiple retailers and counties.
Redmond’s Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) combines digital evidence, retailer reports, and information from other law enforcement agencies. The department focuses on property crimes, including shoplifting and organized retail theft, which can involve suspects operating across multiple cities.
A key resource is the Retail Crime Hub, a platform developed by Auror that allows participating retailers and law enforcement agencies to share incident reports, surveillance footage, suspect descriptions, and vehicle information. Investigators can search submitted reports for connections that might otherwise go unnoticed when incidents are handled separately.
Jason Fisher, innovation manager for the Redmond Police Department, described a case in which a suspect identified through the platform was connected to 20 fraud and forgery cases across four counties. The investigation began with a shoplifting incident at a Redmond grocery store and expanded to include cases involving several retailers.
In another investigation, information shared between agencies helped identify suspects linked to thefts at Ulta stores and other locations across the Puget Sound region. Fisher said the combined value of the thefts in that case exceeded $20,000, allowing investigators to pursue multiple charges related to organized retail theft.
The department also encourages retailers to report incidents after they occur when doing so during a theft could put employees at risk. Reports and supporting evidence can be submitted for follow-up and searched to identify potential patterns.
Fisher said timely, accessible information helps investigators identify suspects, connect cases and demonstrate to retailers that their reports are being acted upon.
The article highlights how cooperation between retailers and law enforcement can help investigations extend beyond individual incidents. Searchable reports and cross-jurisdictional information sharing can provide investigators with additional leads when suspects and theft activity span multiple locations.
