SPD sting nets 30 arrests, cops still looking for 70 suspects

Police noticed a growing number of property crimes in Seattle, so they set up a sting that has recovered over 900 stolen items and netted 30 arrests.

SPD set up a storefront in Georgetown with undercover cops, advertising their ability to “get rid of items” online.

The sting was dubbed “Oliver Twist” and along with the recovery of 146 cars, 27 handguns, computers, audio equipment and personal identification, there were some odd finds too.

Assistant Seattle Police Chief Jim Pugel said one of the storefront’s visitors worked for paper shredding company and brought in documents that were intended to be shredded.

Another man told the undercover officers that he “knew” they were a crime organization, and threatened to call the police if they didn’t help him sell his drugs.

“He would bring in a certain amount of drugs every week or two, that we would purchase from him and then we kept all those drugs – of course.” Pugel said that man will be charged in a drug related case.

Police are still look for 70 suspects that sold property to the undercover cops, and many of them have long criminal histories, according to police.

To find out if your stolen property was recovered in Operation Oliver Twist, visit SPD’s Flickr page.