Chamber Lunch: Public Safety & Retail Crime

Public Safety & Retail Crime ... Let's talk about it.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Renée Sunde, President/CEO of the Washington Retail Association, will address the pressing issue of public safety, retail theft, and organized crime impacting Bellevue area businesses and community. 

According to a December 2021 report by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, 60% of the 8.9 million crimes reported in 2020 were property crimes, including larceny-theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, and vandalism, costing businesses $17.2 billion in annual losses, as per Entrepreneur.com.

At a time when businesses are recovering from the impacts of the pandemic and high inflation, communities across the state are facing a staggering increase in theft and crime and growing concerns over public safety. These crimes include smash-and-grabs and other brazen in-store attacks. While businesses have changed how they provide goods and services, criminals have found new ways around security gaps, endangering customers and employees.

The event's format offers a chance for business owners and loss prevention professionals to come together with local law enforcement, elected officials, and other businesses to discuss how the community can address the escalating issue of retail theft.

About the Chamber Lunch Program

Join the Chamber for its monthly lunch series, where the most influential legislators, business executives, and other movers-and-shakers from the Bellevue area meet to share ideas, talk shop, and enjoy a meal.

This year’s programming will feature leaders in politics, tech, sports, and more, with Chamber Lunch taking place on the third Thursday of September, October, and each month January through June.  

Program Sponsors