BURNABY RCMP’s Community Response Team (CRT) and Bike Unit arrested 22 suspects and seized several weapons and thousands of dollars worth of stolen items during a two-day ‘boost and bust’ initiative at Metrotown on March 13 and 14.
The ‘boost and bust’ initiative was created in an effort to enhance public safety, curb shoplifting and violent crime and to support businesses, retail workers and Loss Prevention Officers.
The initiative included foot patrols in full uniform as well as some plainclothes operations.
While conducting proactive patrols in the mall, officers found a 16-year-old boy walking around with a can of bear spray hanging out of his pocket. The boy was arrested for possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose. While dealing with the boy, they also located a pellet gun in his possession.
On another occasion, officers observed a youth, a 16-year-old boy, known to be banned from the mall by security, walking inside the mall. The boy was found to have bear spray in his possession and was escorted off the premises.
Officers located another individual, a 30-year-old man who had a hunting knife, a can of bear spray, several break-in tools, numerous stolen items and miscellaneous drugs in his possession.
In total, 22 suspects were arrested, including four individuals breaching court ordered conditions and one known violent offender with an arrest warrant from another jurisdiction. Over $2,800 worth of stolen items, as well as a number of weapons and drugs, were seized.
Police want to remind the public that it may be legal to purchase bear spray, but it is not legal to carry it for the purpose of protection in public. If it is used as a weapon, you could be charged with assault with a weapon, or other serious offences.
“The goal of this initiative is to address repeat violent offences,” said Sgt. Neil Jones with Burnaby RCMP’s Community Programs. “Our Community Response Team conducts ‘boost and bust’ operations at various locations throughout the year and will continue with this initiative based on the needs of the community.”
