Columbus police have taken about 630 shoplifting reports in 2026. A team set up in June has cleared 63 of its 152 cases and arrested 37 people before the holidays.

The Columbus Police Department has taken about 630 shoplifting reports so far this year. Since June, investigators have been assigned to work those cases, and the department says the effort has cleared 63 cases and led to 37 arrests.

The figures are in a release the department issued Thursday. The department said the push comes ahead of the holiday shopping season, when stores often see more theft.

What the initiative has done so far

The Property Crimes Unit started the initiative in June 2026. Since then, the department said, its investigators have had:

  • 152 cases assigned
  • 63 cases cleared
  • 37 people arrested
  • 58 arrest warrants still outstanding
  • a 41% clearance rate

Counting the cases where a warrant has been issued, 91 cases have been cleared or have warrants out. The department puts that rate at about 72%. The numbers do not include arrests made by patrol officers.

Bar chart of the Columbus Police Department shoplifting initiative since June 2026: 152 cases assigned, 63 cases cleared, 58 arrest warrants outstanding and 37 people arrested. Patrol arrests are not included.
Results of the shoplifting initiative, from the department's Oct. 1 release. Chart by Fountain City News
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Working with the stores

Investigators have met several times with local retailers and their loss prevention teams. The department said:

  • more than 45 asset protection and loss prevention staff from more than 20 stores came to a meeting July 7
  • more than 40 people attended a second meeting Aug. 25, in person and online
  • a warrant roundup July 28 led to seven arrests and cleared nine cases
  • an undercover detail at a local store Aug. 8 and 9 led to one arrest

Investigators also post surveillance images on the Property Crimes Unit’s Facebook page to help identify theft suspects. The department said it will keep working with retailers on repeat offenders as the holidays approach.

An arrest or charge is an accusation. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court. If you were named in one of our police items and the case was dropped, use the update route.

What it means for you

  • If you run a store, the Property Crimes Unit wants to hear from retailers. Call the Columbus Police Department at 706-653-3100 and ask for the unit, or use the non-emergency line, 706-653-3232, to report a theft that is over.
  • If you see a theft happening, call 911.
  • If you shop in Columbus, expect the department to keep up the work through the holiday season. Our Black Friday and holiday shopping guide has store hours and events.

The department publishes its releases on its news page. Our weekly Police and Fire log collects them in one place.