Surrey, BC – On October 21, 2024, the Surrey RCMP North Community Response Unit (CRU), in collaboration with the Delta Police Department Patrol Support Team, carried out a targeted anti-shoplifting operation at Guildford Town Centre. This initiative, known as “boost & bust,” aimed to curb shoplifting and improve safety for local businesses and shoppers.
The operation was supported by mall security and nine retail partners, including loss prevention specialists from the United States. By the end of the day, 25 individuals were arrested for shoplifting, leading to a range of charges, including 17 counts of Theft Under $5,000, Possession of Identity Documents, and Failure to Comply with Probation.
Police seized three weapons—knives and pepper spray—and recovered over $6,500 in stolen goods. Additionally, three warrants were executed, with one individual held in custody for breaching probation conditions.
S/Sgt Nigel Pronger of Surrey RCMP emphasized the importance of such operations as the holiday season approaches: “We will continue to ensure our retail spaces in Surrey are safe to work, visit, and shop. Police will maintain a strong presence in shopping centers through uniformed and covert operations. Those who choose to commit crime face a real risk of arrest and the subsequent legal consequences of their actions.”
The Surrey RCMP’s proactive approach sends a clear message to deter shoplifting and reinforce community safety in Surrey’s busy retail hubs.