ON September 11 and 18, Richmond RCMP conducted two boost and bust operations as part of the Retail Council of Canada’s National Retail Crime Task Force Fall 2026 National Blitz. The operations were supported through partnerships with the Organized Retail Crime Association of BC (ORCA-BC) and Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP) funding. Frontline officers, supported by investigative units, worked alongside loss prevention personnel and retailers throughout Richmond.
As part of the National Blitz, Richmond YVR RCMP also conducted two boost and bust operations on September 18 and 21. Those operations resulted in three arrests and the recovery of more than $3,100 worth of stolen merchandise, contributing to the overall enforcement effort across Richmond.
As a result of the operations:
- 21 individuals were arrested;
- Theft under $5,000 charges will be recommended against 13 adults;
- One additional assault charge will be recommended after a suspect allegedly assaulted a loss prevention officer prior to police arrival;
- One additional charge for failing to comply with a release order will be recommended;
- Extra-judicial measures will be recommended for two youths;
- Restorative Justice will be recommended for two adults;
- Three individuals were released without charge; and
- More than $5,675 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.
In addition to enforcement action, all individuals arrested during the operations were offered referrals to social services.
“This initiative demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between police, loss prevention personnel, and community stakeholders,” said Inspector Vaz Kassam, Operations Officer of Richmond RCMP. “Through intelligence-led enforcement and collaboration, we are able to identify repeat offenders, reduce retail crime, and improve community safety for businesses, employees, and shoppers alike.”
