Burnaby RCMP’s Community Response Team (CRT) arrested 6 suspects and recovered nearly $7,500 worth of stolen goods during their latest anti-shoplifting operation at Metrotown mall earlier this month.
Police were at Metrotown mall for 6 hours over two evenings in an effort to “curb retail theft and support local businesses and staff impacted by chronic shoplifting”.
During this latest operation, police arrested two prolific offenders after discovering they were in breach of their release orders.
“In one instance, CRT officers recognized a 41-year-old Burnaby man known to be a prolific offender with conditions not to attend specific retail businesses. CRT, with the assistance of Metrotown security were able to confirm that the suspect entered two stores, in breach of his conditions. The suspect was arrested and subsequently searched. He was found to have $850 worth of merchandise, including a belt and several bottles of perfume, from these two businesses, which were believed to be stolen,” said Cpl. Michael Kalanj.
Another suspect was arrested after “walking off with over $2,600 worth of high-end athletic clothing”. The suspect tried to flee with the items still on the hangers.
Burnaby RCMP
“Our analysts have assisted in narrowing down when and where there are spikes in retail thefts in our community. This information allowed our officers to focus on the right time and place to assist our community partners,” added Cpl. Mike Kalanj.
“We will continue to work with our partners to enhance public safety and combat the negative impacts of retail theft in our community.”
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