Multiple suspects allegedly stole more than $1,400 worth of meat and fish from a Maple Ridge store within an hour.
On Monday, Nov. 17, Ridge Meadows RCMP arrested four people during an ongoing enforcement project called “Project Anchor”, that focuses on reducing retail theft downtown.
Crime Reduction Unit, (CRU), officers and a loss prevention officer were at the store when they were alerted to a person walking out of the store with a concealed item.
They stopped and apprehended the person, in addition to three other people in separate incidents at the same store.
One person allegedly tried to steal $650 worth of meat and fish products and another more than $750 worth of items.
“This isn’t just run-of-the-mill theft, but rather repeat offenders openly stealing large quantities of items from the same retailers,” explained Ridge Meadows RCMP CRU Sergeant Joe Whalley.
“This kind of activity not only impacts businesses, but the surrounding community where this kind of stolen product is illegally resold posing public health and safety risks,” he said.
Retail theft has been identified as a continuing issue in the area the last few months, said Whalley, noting that since September, officers with the CRU have been working with retailers, loss prevention officers, and other enforcement agencies across the region to crack down on these incidents.
In this case, some of the suspects were charged with theft and breaching bail violations, while others were released on conditions not to be in the store.
All individuals, said Whalley, were offered social service referrals.
“The goal of our approach is not only holding offenders accountable but also connecting individuals with the support they need,” he added.