The Aberdeen Police Department assisted Walmart in a one-day “blitz” on shoplifters on Saturday, according to an APD news release.

The effort resulted in 10 arrests, said Lt. Jeff Weiss, with about $1,100 in merchandise recovered and several more citations issued.

“We’ve done it one other time. This one was kind of a last minute request from them because they had a lot asset protection (personnel) in the area,” Weiss said. “They have a certain amount a month they write off to shoplifting. It’s definitely a constant thing.”

The store worked with police to identify and arrest suspected shoplifters during the effort, Weiss said, recovering much of the shoplifted goods.

“On this particular one, there was clothing, there was some food for the pets. I think one guy walked out with alcohol. There was a lot of sporting goods stuff,” Weiss said. “It’s mostly groceries, sporting goods, and food for the pets.”

One suspect, who attempted to evade police on foot before being detained, was responsible for about half of the value of the recovered merchandise during an attempt to steal a Roomba, Weiss said.

“The guy who tried to push out nearly $500 in merchandise took off running. He walked out with a $450 Roomba vacuum,” Weiss said. “This guy we arrested is a prolific shoplifter.”

Weiss said that a lot of shoplifting occurs in larger establishments.

“The smaller businesses haven’t asked for help, but we’ve worked with Home Depot, we’ve worked with Safeway, we’ve worked with the Walmart,” Weiss said. “Walmart’s always a target because their alcohol is kept in the open.”

For those struggling with getting basics like groceries, organizations like Aberdeen Community Food Bank and the Hoquiam Food and Clothing Bank might be able to help. PAWS of Grays Harbor may be able to offer some assistance in getting pet food for non-human members of one’s family.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.