ON Friday, December 15, Richmond RCMP made 15 arrests during Operation Boost and Bust, the majority of which were for theft under $ 5,000.

In the case of one arrest, approximately $ 1,000 worth of merchandise from one business was recovered.

To date this year, such operations have resulted in the arrest of 40 people.

“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in the number of shoplifting complaints received from our business community in recent months,” says Inspector Michael Cohee, Officer-in-Charge of Investigative Services and Community Engagement. “We recognize the personal and financial impacts these thefts have on our local businesses and through focused initiatives, like Operation Boost and Bust, are working to combat retail thefts.”

Operation Boost and Bust is led by Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit (PCU) and takes place multiple times each year. It is part of the detachment’s crime reduction strategies and initiatives.

In addition, Richmond RCMP PCU work collaboratively throughout the year with Loss Prevention Officers (LPOs) and community partners from various businesses to identify shoplifting trends or patterns. The LPOs play a key role in identifying alleged shoplifters during the operation and providing critical evidence, which results in arrests.

Richmond RCMP will be conducting extra enforcement throughout the holiday season, including bike patrols in various business locations throughout Richmond.

If you have witnessed or have information about a potential crime, Richmond RCMP encourage you to contact your police of jurisdiction. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.