Bellevue Police make 157 arrests during 2025 “Stop the Lift” holiday campaign

The Bellevue Police Department announced today the agency made 157 shoplifting arrests during its annual “Stop the Lift” holiday campaign in 2025.  

“Bellevue Police’s shoplifting emphasis was once again successful thanks in part to the strong relationships this agency has built with businesses and community members. I commend this work and our strong partnerships and look forward to continuing these efforts throughout 2026,” said Wendell Shirley, Bellevue Police Chief. 

During the “Stop the Lift” campaign, Bellevue Police reported 229 shoplifting incidents in Bellevue, a 9% decrease compared to 2024’s holiday campaign. However, 69% of those cases (157) resulted in an arrest, which represented a 4% increase compared to the 2024 holiday timeframe.  

The “Stop the Lift” campaign experienced continued success because Bellevue Officers partnered with retail stores in the area to deter and reduce shoplifting incidents from occurring. The effort included high visibility patrols in and around Bellevue’s retail establishments and criminal enforcement when shoplifting was reported to law enforcement. The campaign provided Bellevue Police and businesses a multi-prong approach toward retail theft prevention and response during the holiday season.  

While shoplifting continues to be the number one reported crime in Bellevue, shoplifting incidents in 2025 decreased 19% (1,260 incidents) compared to incidents in 2024 (1,548) during the same time frame. Shoplifting incidents represented about 44% of all property crime cases for the city in 2025.   

The Bellevue Police Department’s efforts against retail theft continue beyond the holidays. Community members are encouraged to call 911 if they witness a suspect attempting to steal from a shopping mall or snatch a box from a neighbor’s house.