SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Spokane Valley Investigative Unit detectives, along with deputies and local retailers, conducted a successful operation targeting retail theft, resulting in nine arrests. According to the Spokane Valley Police Department, this initiative aimed to curb theft during the holiday season and hold suspects accountable.
The operation took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and involved collaboration between SVIU detectives, deputies and loss prevention employees. They worked together to identify and apprehend suspects stealing from Spokane Valley retailers. The stolen items included clothing, cosmetics, electronics and a victim’s purse, with the total value estimated to exceed $7,000. Most of the items were recovered and returned.
SVIU detectives plan to conduct more operations over the coming weeks, supported by funding from the Spokane Valley City Council to address retail theft.
A 21-year-old was arrested after being spotted by store loss prevention concealing merchandise in a shoulder bag. She was charged with theft 3rd degree after $145.78 in stolen merchandise was recovered.
A 35-year-old was arrested in a store parking lot while loading merchandise into her vehicle. Known to detectives, she had an active theft 3rd degree arrest warrant. She wore $295 in stolen clothing, and her vehicle contained potentially stolen property and drug paraphernalia. The investigation continues, and additional charges are possible.
A 32-year-old passenger in the car, was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon, a concealed butterfly-style knife.
Another 35-year-old and 56-year-old were arrested after one was seen concealing merchandise and leaving the store. The 35-year-old was charged with theft 3rd degree for this incident, and $37.29 in stolen cosmetics were recovered. She will also face additional charges related to previous incidents, including felony theft 1st and 2nd degree for a purse theft on November 15, 2025.
A 29-year-old and 51-year-old were charged with theft 3rd degree after being found attempting to steal merchandise. Both had active arrest warrants for criminal trespass and theft.
A 62-year-old and 55-year-old were found with active criminal trespass warrants during the operation.
Another 29-year-old was identified as a suspect in a theft incident involving $2,160 worth of electronics on November 14, 2025. SVIU detectives plan to submit a new charging request for theft 3rd degree.
The Spokane Valley community is encouraged to remain vigilant as authorities continue their efforts to deter retail theft.
