Vancouver police arrest 268 in shoplifting crackdown

Vancouver police say 268 people have been arrested and over $100,000 in merchandise was recovered as part of a recent shoplifting crackdown dubbed “Project Barcode.”

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) operation focused on violent shoplifters in the city between Nov. 30 and Dec. 15, and saw plain-clothes officers seize 31 weapons at 30 participating retailer locations.

Const. Tania Visintin says Project Barcode’s results were “significant,” and adds the VPD will keep working to combat shoplifting.

“In addition to our ongoing initiatives and partnerships, we are also working with the Retail Council of Canada to help businesses succeed and keep our communities safe,” she said.

“Retail theft is not a victimless crime … not only are businesses out thousands of dollars, staff members are often left afraid from aggressive shoplifting incidents and wondering about the ‘what-ifs’.”

Since the project’s inception last spring, the VPD has made 939 shoplifting arrests, seized 94 weapons, executed 122 outstanding warrants, and recovered $291,000 in stolen goods.