By Canadian Press

Hundreds arrested for shoplifting in latest Vancouver police blitz

Oct 27, 2023 | 11:09 AM

VANCOUVER — A police crackdown on violent and chronic shoplifters in Vancouver has ended in 258 arrests and the recovery of almost $57,000 in stolen goods. 

Vancouver police say the arrests were made during a two-week operation in September, which was co-ordinated with other Lower Mainland police departments, resulting in another 82 arrests in Delta, Langley, Richmond and Burnaby. 

Staff Sgt. Mario Mastropieri says Vancouver isn’t alone in dealing with rampant theft, and other North American cities have seen some major retailers shut down because of violent shoplifting. 

He says police are determined not to let that happen in Vancouver. 

Tony Hunt, general manager for London Drugs loss prevention, says employers are spending millions on security measures, but not all businesses can afford to take those steps, and they rely on police, courts and social support systems to make it safe to work in communities. 

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The latest arrests are in addition to a police blitz last spring when 355 people were arrested for shoplifting. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2023. 

The Canadian Press