A retail crime blitz involving Lloydminster and seven other Alberta RCMP detachments led to 65 arrests and 48 criminal charges over 10 days in March.
The Alberta RCMP said detachments in Airdrie, Lloydminster, Parkland, Red Deer, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Wetaskiwin and Wood Buffalo took part in the initiative between March 10 and 20.
Police said 10 of the 65 people arrested were wanted on warrants. They also said 21 of those arrested had more than 30 previous charges.
The RCMP said the numbers suggest a significant share of retail crime is being committed by repeat offenders.
Information gathered during the blitz also led the Alberta RCMP Community Response Team to arrest a 33-year-old man and execute a search warrant at a residence in St. Albert.
Police said that search led to the recovery of $26,498 worth of clothing. That seizure contributed to more than $40,000 in retail goods recovered during the overall operation.
The 33-year-old man is facing pending charges of trafficking in stolen property, two counts, and possession of stolen property obtained by crime over $5,000.
RCMP said retail crime remains a growing concern not only for businesses, but for worker and public safety as well.
“More frequently we are finding violent recidivist criminals engaging in retail crime, elevating the risk for employees and shoppers alike,” said Staff Sgt. Luke Halvorson of the RCMP Community Safety and Well-being Branch.
“The Alberta RCMP uses data and intelligence to focus resources. While many other property crime types have decreased, the Alberta RCMP can focus on the rise of retail crime.”
The release did not provide a breakdown of how many arrests or charges came from each community, including Lloydminster.
For local businesses and employees, the message is clear – retail crime is not always low-level theft, and police say repeat offenders continue to play a major role in the problem.
Read More: Overdoses spike, prompting RCMP warning in Lloydminster
