SURREY RCMP’s South Community Response Unit (CRU) made multiple arrests and seized hundreds of dollars worth of stolen merchandise while conducting a ‘Boost and Bust’ enforcement project targeting retail thieves in Newton.

On December 13, South CRU partnered up with the Surrey RCMP Police Mental Health Outreach Team (PMHOT), Transit Police, Transit Security and several loss prevention officers working at local businesses within the Newton core to target shoplifters during the holiday season.

South CRU made a total of 11 arrests and recovered approximately $1,300 dollars of stolen goods. Multiple bans were imposed at the discretion of business owners along with two individuals are being charged with theft under $5,000. In addition, PMHOT was utilized to provide outreach referrals for those suffering from addiction and/or homelessness.

“Thefts around the holiday season can greatly impact the daily operations of business owners. The targeted enforcement of the South CRU officers in collaboration with the loss prevention officers working at the local businesses helps to put a stop to criminal activity in the area,” says Staff-Sgt. Jagjit Saran of the Community Response Unit.