Image credit: Seattle police chase after a felony retail theft suspect at University Village on Dec. 23, 2025. (SPD)
Seattle police reported multiple arrests following an organized retail theft operation at University Village during the busy holiday shopping period. The incident occurred on December 23 as officers worked with store loss prevention teams to address theft activity at the shopping center.
According to police, two women were taken into custody after allegedly attempting to steal merchandise from a lingerie retailer in the early evening. Officers said they recovered more than $170 in unpaid merchandise, along with items investigators described as tools and weapons. Both suspects were booked as part of the ongoing investigation.
Later that evening, store staff identified two additional individuals suspected of stealing from the same retailer. Police arrested one suspect after a foot pursuit through the parking area, while the second individual was able to flee. Officers reported recovering roughly $760 in additional merchandise connected to that incident.
Police released images related to the pursuit and continue to search for the remaining suspect. Shoppers interviewed after the incident expressed surprise, noting that University Village is generally viewed as a safe and upscale retail destination.
The arrests highlight the continued challenges retailers face during peak shopping seasons, when higher foot traffic can create opportunities for theft. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of coordination between retailers and police to deter criminal activity and protect both customers and employees during high-volume shopping periods.
