Police arrested 61 suspects and recovered nearly $15,000 in stolen merchandise this month as part of an anti-shoplifting operation at Metrotown mall.
The four-day "Boost and Bust" initiative this May resulted in 21 new criminal charges being forwarded, according to a Burnaby RCMP press release.
One suspect tried to walk away with more than $2,800 worth of clothing, and another tried to shoplift $840 worth of "high-end outerwear," said the release, which noted the most commonly stolen item was clothing.
One person arrested for shoplifting was found to have an outstanding warrant for failing to comply with the Sex Offender Registry, and 12 of those arrested had outstanding warrants from across the Lower Mainland.
"In many cases, our officers arrested individuals known to police," said Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Kalanj in the release.
"In total, five prolific offenders were arrested, as well as 10 suspects with documented violent criminal histories."
The "Boost and Bust" initiative, led by Burnaby RCMP's Community Response Team along with members of the bike unit, police mental health outreach team and Metrotown security and loss prevention officers, intends to curb retail theft and enhance public safety.
"The Boost and Bust is an important initiative that not only helps curb shoplifting, but also supports businesses, retail workers and loss prevention officers impacted by retail theft in our community," Kalanj said.
