SURREY RCMP North Community Response Unit (NCRU) conducted a boost and bust operation targeting retail thieves last weekend.

On December 9, NCRU was at Guildford Town Centre Mall as part of Surrey RCMP’s enhanced retail theft enforcement strategy. Police made a total of 15 arrests and recovered approximately one thousand dollars worth of stolen goods, including liquor, cosmetics, and food items.

Of the 15 people arrested, four are facing criminal charges, one youth is being referred to the Youth Intervention Program, and several were issued civil bans from attending businesses, along with warnings that they may be charged criminally should they be caught stealing again in the future.

“Applying discretion allows us to achieve our goal of increasing public safety in our retail spaces by diverting first time offenders from the criminal justice system, and focusing our efforts on those who are a risk to our communities,” says Staff-Sgt. Nigel Pronger, commander of North Community Response Unit.

Also on December 9, while NCRU officers were patrolling the area of Guildford Town Centre parking lot, they observed a suspicious vehicle that was circling around. Officers learned that the vehicle was stolen and conducted surveillance on the vehicle. The vehicle was followed to Mission where the driver attempted to flee on foot. The driver was arrested with the assistance of Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of stolen items with price tags still attached, and a catalytic converter, which had been cut off of the stolen vehicle.

Charles Henry Parrish, 34, has been charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of a conveyance, flight from police while operating a motor vehicle, and drive while disqualified.
Surrey RCMP is continuing enhanced retail theft operations in multiple locations across the city throughout December.