New initiative cuts shoplifting in half, says Ridge Meadows RCMP

A new program designed to combat crime in Maple Ridge resulted in a more than 50 per cent drop in shoplifting in June and July, according to Ridge Meadows RCMP.

The two-month initiative, called ‘Project Dovetail,’ was launched on June 1 with the aim of increasing public safety in the city’s downtown core by engaging with business and community members and helping vulnerable residents connect with support resources. It included encouraging businesses to sign up for Business Watch, following up on wellbeing calls, and launching dedicated foot and bike patrols.

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“The safety of our downtown core, its residents and business community, is a priority for our detachment,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Wendy Mehat. “Dovetail gave us a greater understanding of what that community wants from a public safety perspective.”

During the project, the police received a total of 15 shoplifting complaints. This is down 53 per cent compared with the same period in 2022, when they received 32 complaints.

Shoplifting statistics for the CIty of Maple Ridge, June and July 2023.

Project Dovetail was a partnership between the Mounties’ Crime Reduction Unit and the City of Maple Ridge. The RCMP said it follows the success of a separate program last summer, Project C.O.R.E., that also aimed to reduce crime in the area.

The RCMP says downtown patrols will continue as they work to increase visibility, education, and enforcement.