More shoplifters targeting stores at Metrotown mall could find themselves in cuffs thanks to a new Burnaby RCMP initiative.
Since October, local Mounties have made eight arrests and recovered nearly $3,000 in merchandise in three targeted enforcement blitzes at the shopping centre on Oct. 22, Nov. 14 and Dec. 6.
For each so-called “boost and bust” enforcement, officers team up with mall security, loss-prevention officers and, in some cases, Transit Police.
To maximize the effectiveness of the blitzes, they pick specific times, days of the week and stores based on statistics provided by the shopping centre’s security and loss-prevention officers.
Besides the shoplifter arrests and recovery of stolen goods, the boost and bust enforcements have also seen officers nab people wanted on warrants, respond to two assaults and attend a motor vehicle accident just outside the mall.
“We know that our officer’s presence at the mall made a big difference during this initiative,” Cpl. Mike Kalanj told the NOW. “This was the first time boost and bust was done in Burnaby, and going forward we are looking at expanding it into other parts of the City.”
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