Eighteen people were arrested during a three-day project targeting violent and chronic shoplifters in New West.
The New Westminster Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit, Street Crime Unit and Gang Suppression Unit worked with retail loss prevention staff to identify and arrest violent and chronic shoplifters. The operation took place between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, 2023.
“Over three days, 18 people were arrested. Of those arrested, six had previous criminal convictions, including five violent offences,” said a news release from the police department. “The New Westminster Police Department is recommending 21 charges to Crown counsel. The charges recommended include, but are not limited to: theft, possession of stolen property, and breaching conditions.”
The New Westminster Police Department states that this operation, Project Barcode, was created in response to ongoing concerns from local businesses about regular retail theft, increased violence when there are attempts to intervene, and the impact this has on businesses operations and safety.
“The results of this project indicate that retail theft continues to be a problem in New Westminster,” stated NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “A project like this takes a great deal of planning and coordination, and we encourage businesses to report retail theft to NWPD so we can prioritize current resources, access additional funding, and continue to identify and arrest those who are using violence and intimidation against retail employees.”
Leaver said officers were deployed both in uniform and in a plainclothes undercover capacity.
“The New Westminster Police Department worked with businesses that had been filing a consistent number of police reports for violent thefts,” he said in a statement to the Record. “These incidents include where weapons or physical force were used during the commission of a shoplifting offence.”
Leaver said the businesses involved in the project were located in the Downtown neighbourhood. The NWPD is thankful to the businesses that supported its units in the project.
“Violent thefts can leave hardworking staff afraid and left wondering about their safety, he said. “Our specialty units saw the need for this project and invited businesses to participate. The businesses were satisfied with the outcome of the project and we’re very grateful for their support.”
The New Westminster Police Department encourages retail staff in the city to report thefts by calling 604-525-5411, or 911 if they witnessing a theft in progress.
According to the NWPD, this project was funded in large part by the Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement Program, with funding from the provincial government under the Safer Communities Action Plan.
