Victoria police says 20 people were arrested and more than $25,000 in stolen goods was recovered from a single store in just three days during a recent enforcement blitz.
Police say that from Oct. 16 to 18, officers worked with security guards to stop shoplifters from a store in the 500 block of Johnson Street.
More than half of the suspects arrested had more than $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise on them, according to police, and one person had around $3,400 of stolen goods when they were stopped.
Of the 20 people arrested last week, three suspects had outstanding warrants from across Greater Victoria.
Another person, a driver who was allegedly trying to help a suspect flee from the scene, was also issued a 24-hour driving ban for impairment by drugs.
Police say that out of the 20 people arrested, most were released until their next court date.
One person was held in custody, however, after they returned to steal from the store twice in the three-day period.
“Shoplifting continues to be an issue for businesses in Victoria and Esquimalt and VicPD is committed to continuing to address this problem in partnership with our community,” said the police department in a release Friday.
“This project was created in response to ongoing concerns from local businesses about regular retail theft and the impact this has on business operations and staff safety.”
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Adam Chan
