RCMP nab dozens of suspects in shoplifting crackdown

Over 50 people were apprehended in seven days.

The Kelowna RCMP’s Community Safety Unit executed Project Barcode, a nationwide shoplifting operation, to crack down on theft from local businesses.

Mounties worked with crime analysts and local retailers to address prolific shoplifters repeatedly targeting specific stores.

Over the week-long operation, uniformed and plain clothes officers identified, monitored, and apprehended over 50 shoplifters, recovering more than $10,000 worth of merchandise in the process.

The RCMP said approximately 30 Criminal Code chargers were to be submitted to the B.C. Prosecution Service, along with multiple referrals to the Restorative Justice Program.

“This project was a tremendous success and we owe most of that to our security and loss prevention partners who do this every day,” Sgt. Scott Powrie, Operations NCO Community Safety Unit, said.

“They act professionally and are key figures in reducing incidents of theft in our community. These acts of violence against them will not be tolerated and it is our job to swiftly remind those who are putting them at risk.”

During the operation, police also located and arrested several individuals with outstanding warrants, including one individual who had a Canada wide warrant.

Police also impounded multiple crime vehicles for Motor Vehicle Act and Criminal Code-related offences.