KENT, Wash. — Kent police say homeless people living in a wooded area behind Lowe's Home Improvement on Pacific Highway South have been stealing merchandise worth thousands of dollars weekly from the store.
Police say a misdemeanor theft case on Sunday led them to uncover organized retail theft at the store where thieves either traded or sold the stolen goods on OfferUp.
The Kent Police Department said the 36-year-old suspect in the case was arrested on "other" charges as the investigation wraps with more charges expected.
Police did not immediately respond to KIRO 7 when asked about additional suspects.
Robert Foster, who works nearby, told KIRO 7 the theft is blatant.
"People running across the street from Lowe's and armfuls of stuff," said Foster. "They'll take the tools out of the tool chest and everything and they'll leave the chest here."
Kent police say they recovered 10 stolen Weed Eaters and returned them to the store.
Lowe's Home Improvement did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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