Abandoned shopping carts requiring coordinated response from Everett police

The Everett Police Department (EDP) is installing a Shopping Cart Recovery Program to roll away and remove abandoned shopping carts on city streets that are becoming a nuisance.

Everett Police said dumped carts hurt local businesses and are an eyesore for the community.

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“You know, driving through various cities, abandoned carts can be a nuisance and eyesore that can detract from the beauty of any city and, in this case, ours,” said Officer Ora Hamel with the Everett Police Department.

Hamel also stated EPD’s Citizen Volunteers Against Crime group will pick up the carts and return them to their owners.

“This program is meant to discourage that accumulation of more carts throughout our city,” Hamel said.

According to Everett police, stores have been losing a lot of money with so many carts stolen.

“A Lowes in our city reported that their shopping cart inventory was only 11% of what they started with,” Hamel said. “Carts cost retailers approximately $300 per cart.”

So far, EPD has received 25 requests to pick up carts. You can call EPD to have abandoned carts picked up in your area.

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