Nanaimo RCMP made 20 arrests during a two-day project targeting theft at Port Place Mall. A news release from RCMP says officers recovered about $2,600 worth of stolen merchandise and pressed 16 charges for theft under $5,000.
“While almost half of these thefts involved low-value items, over time these losses add up and can cause significant financial stress to the businesses targeted,” says reserve constable Gary O’Brien.
The enforcement blitz on Oct. 17-18 was funded by the provincial Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C- STEP) program.
Police say many of the arrests led to other charges, including obstruction, prohibited driving and mischief.
“We hope our combined efforts will send a clear message to those involved in retail theft, that this activity will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable,” says superintendent Eric Rochette, officer in charge of the Nanaimo RCMP. “We also want shoppers to feel confident and safe and to continue shopping at the mall. Additionally, our ongoing objective is to provide support to our business community in addressing this issue, and we will continue to work with the mission of curtailing of retail theft in Nanaimo.”
