REDMOND, Ore. — Deschutes County law enforcement agencies held a second listening session on retail crime on Tuesday, March 19, at Redmond City Hall. The event, aimed at fostering better communication between police and local business owners, drew around a dozen attendees who discussed issues related to theft and police response times.
This listening session is part of an ongoing initiative to improve collaboration between law enforcement and the business community in tackling retail crime. Officials emphasized the importance of tracking repeat offenders and improving how theft cases are managed within the county.
Those in attendance voiced concerns about the current response times of local police, particularly when it comes to addressing ongoing retail theft. Many participants expressed frustration over delays and a perceived lack of follow-up, which has made it challenging for businesses to recover stolen property and deter future crimes.
The meeting followed a similar session held in Bend the previous week, where similar topics were discussed. Local business owners and law enforcement officers alike have expressed a desire to strengthen the relationship between police and the retail sector to prevent crimes and create a safer shopping environment.
A third session is scheduled for March 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the downtown Bend Library. Bend Police will be present to continue the conversation and hear additional concerns from the community.
As these listening sessions continue, Deschutes County law enforcement hopes to implement actionable strategies to combat retail crime, improve response times, and increase the overall safety and security of local businesses.
