BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Dozens of arrests were made as part of recent emphasis patrols to crack down on shoplifters.

Bellingham Police say that they worked with Loss Prevention Officers at the Fred Meyer located on Bakerview Road in an effort to stop a sharp increase in theft at that location. The patrols were held for several hours on Dec. 5th and 10th.

Officers made 23 arrests, many of which were accompanied by warrants and additional charges.

A search of one suspect yielded 63 grams of methamphetamine, while another was found to be carrying a realistic-looking airsoft pistol.

Many of those taken into custody on simple theft or shoplifting charges have since been released from jail.