VANCOUVER Police have made another 268 arrests, seized 31 weapons, and recovered over $102,000 in stolen merchandise during a recent three-week crackdown on violent shoplifters throughout the city.

“Retail theft is not a victimless crime,” said Constable Tania Visintin on Wednesday. “Not only are businesses out thousands of dollars, staff members are often left afraid from aggressive shoplifting incidents and wondering about the ‘what-ifs’.”

The latest phase of Project Barcode had plainclothes officers arresting shoplifters at approximately 30 retailers throughout Vancouver between November 30 and December 15. Since the project was first launched last spring, police have made 939 arrests, seized 94 weapons and recovered over $291,000 in stolen merchandise.

“The results are significant, but we won’t stop here,” said Visintin. “In addition to our ongoing initiatives and partnerships, we are also working with the Retail Council of Canada to help businesses succeed and keep our communities safe.”