Update: October 27, 2023
Vancouver – Vancouver Police made 138 arrests and recovered almost $37,000 in stolen merchandise during its latest crackdown on violent shoplifters throughout the city.
“Our officers went undercover to detect and arrest the thieves targeting retailers in Vancouver,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “Violence and retail crime is still a major concern in Vancouver. Someone going to work to earn a living should not have to be subjected to this type of violence.”
The two-week anti-shoplifting blitz, named Project Barcode 2, is a continuation of a three-week operation that took place in March, when VPD officers worked closely with management, staff, and security at stores throughout the city to identify and arrest chronic and violent offenders.
Between April 24 and May 9, VPD officers:
- Arrested 138 people
- Recommended 125 criminal charges to Crown counsel
- Apprehended 14 repeat offenders
- Recovered $36,540.83 in stolen merchandise
- Seized 12 weapons, the most common being knives
“We’ll keep up pressure until staff and shoppers feel safe again, and to make sure offenders are held accountable,” adds Constable Visintin.
