Surrey RCMP Community Response Unit arrested 19 people during two days of proactively targeting thieves in local malls.
During the holiday season, our shopping malls are busy with people looking for the perfect gift, and stores offering that special item. Unfortunately, thieves also take advantage of the season by preying on both shoppers and retailers. Surrey RCMP is actively targeting these thieves through several proactive initiatives including project mistletoe.
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, targeting shoplifters.
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
, says Staff Sergeant 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.
Over two days, police arrested 19 people suspected of shoplifting, resulting in ten criminal charges for Theft Under $5000. 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.
