SURREY RCMP’s Community Response Unit recently collaborated with Metro Vancouver Transit Police and loss prevention officers in Guildford Town Centre and Central City Shopping Centre in targeting shoplifters.
Over two days, police arrested 19 people suspected of shoplifting, resulting in 10 criminal charges for theft under $5,000. Six of those arrested also had outstanding arrest warrants for other criminal offences.
The suspects ranged in age from 14 to 57 years old and stole various items including cosmetics, electronics, tools, and liquor, with values ranging between a few dollars to thousands of dollars.
“Police investigate each offence separately, taking into account the value of items stolen, the criminal history of the suspect, and all other circumstances for that offence,” said Staff-Sgt. Nigel Pronger of the Community Response Unit. “Our goal is to hold the offenders to account, break the crime cycle, and prevent further criminal acts. We accomplish this by placing the suspects on conditions to not return to the store or shopping centre.”