Portland, OR – ALTO, in collaboration with retailers and key city partners, hosted its Alliance meeting in Portland on January 30, 2025, bringing together retail leaders, law enforcement, and prosecutors to discuss collaborative strategies for combating surging retail crime across the region.
Portland has faced growing challenges with retail theft and broader crime issues, severely impacting both retailers and the community. ALTO’s first Alliance meeting aimed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships to improve safety in retail environments.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including ALTO leaders, retail partners such as Fred Meyer, Walgreens, Whole Foods, Target, and Lowe’s, as well as members of law enforcement and prosecutors. Guest speakers were Theresa Turner, Deputy District Attorney of Multnomah County; Detective Mike Zacher from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office; and Nathan Vasquez, Multnomah County’s District Attorney-elect.
Speakers highlighted the crucial role of thorough documentation and timely reporting of in-store incidents, emphasizing that evidence such as police reports, victim statements, and surveillance footage is essential for building strong cases. ALTO also emphasized commitment to ensuring follow-through during court proceedings to set a strong precedent for crime accountability.
Deputy District Attorney Theresa Turner shared insights into recent Oregon legislative changes that directly affect how retail theft is prosecuted. The discussion provided participating leaders with valuable information on how these updates could streamline efforts to hold repeat offenders accountable.
ALTO’s collaborative network has consistently demonstrated the ability to create safer environments for stores, employees, and the communities they serve. With a steadfast commitment to tackling the complex challenges of retail theft, ALTO remains a trusted leader in pushing for accountability and safety in the retail landscape.
About ALTO
ALTO bridges post-arrest gaps in retail crime cases by advocating for legal accountability and collaborating with retailers to hold individuals accountable for compromising retail safety. Through its nationwide network of retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community stakeholders, ALTO enables collaboration and delivers results to enhance employee morale, community safety, and retail operations.
