Shoplifting cases in Arlington are up nearly 60% over all of 2023, even with almost four weeks left in the year.
That’s prompted a Christmastime crackdown by Arlington County police, which says it is “deploying additional police resources to keep shoppers and retail employees safe.”
“ACPD’s holiday retail theft detail includes a three-pronged approach of enforcement, deterrence and education,” the police department says. “Community members can anticipate seeing additional police patrols in and around shopping centers and commercial establishments, the deployment of electronic signboards as part of a high-visibility public awareness campaign and officers engaging with community members and businesses.”
Much of the effort is expected to be concentrated in the Pentagon City area, which has a trio of popular shopping centers — including the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall — and is a frequent shoplifting target.
“As part of the retail theft detail, ACPD and the Metro Transit Police Department are partnering on additional patrols in and around the Pentagon City Metro Station to ensure the safety of those commuting to shopping centers in the area,” the press release notes.
Arlington County police say they’ve received 1,684 shoplifting reports so far this year, compared to 1,064 throughout 2023. The department recommends that shoppers “park in well-lit, high traffic areas” and “avoid carrying large amounts of cash,” among other safety tips.
The ACPD press release is below.
Throughout December, as the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season is in full swing, the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is deploying additional police resources to keep shoppers and retail employees safe while addressing increased reports of retail theft throughout Arlington County.
ACPD’s holiday retail theft detail includes a three-pronged approach of enforcement, deterrence and education. Community members can anticipate seeing additional police patrols in and around shopping centers and commercial establishments, the deployment of electronic signboards as part of a high-visibility public awareness campaign and officers engaging with community members and businesses to share important crime and safety information. Additional non-visible police resources are being deployed in accordance with our key initiative of crime prevention and control.
As part of the retail theft detail, ACPD and the Metro Transit Police Department are partnering on additional patrols in and around the Pentagon City Metro Station to ensure the safety of those commuting to shopping centers in the area.
Shoplifting Statistics
In 2023, ACPD received 1,064 reports of shoplifting incidents in the County. Year-to-date in 2024, ACPD has received 1,684 reports of shoplifting. Community members can stay informed about reported criminal incidents in Arlington County using the Crime Data Hub.
On November 29, 2024, officers conducted a Black Friday Retail Theft Detail and responded to approximately 10 shoplifting calls for service and made 8 arrests for various offenses, including Shoplifting, Identify Theft, Drunk in Public and Obstruction of Justice.
Shopping Safety Tips
Shop safe and smart this holiday season with these crime prevention tips:
- Park in well-lit, high traffic areas
- Remain aware of your surroundings
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Never leave your purse or wallet unattended
- Avoid overloading yourself with bags and packages
- Lock your vehicle, close your windows and hide purchases and shopping bags in the trunk
