Winnipeg Police continue crackdown on shoplifting through Spring Break

The Winnipeg Police are extending their Retail Theft Initiative to include Spring Break, similar to the Christmas season crackdown. The Property Crime Unit will work with Community Support Units and loss prevention partners to conduct focused enforcement at various retail locations throughout the city. During the Christmas initiative, 138 individuals were arrested for shoplifting offenses, resulting in a 14% drop in incidents between November and December. The initiative also led to investigations into individuals selling stolen property online, with identifiable chronic offenders being targeted.

Insp. Jennifer McKinnon emphasized the importance of addressing retail theft, stating that it is driving much of the violent crime in the city. Criminals are turning stolen goods into cash to fund illicit activities such as buying drugs, weapons, and firearms. The police are taking the issue seriously and are committed to addressing it through targeted enforcement efforts. Project Falcon was initiated last May, deploying additional resources around CF Polo Park to combat retail thefts, assaults, and other serious crimes. The initiative has shown a 17.3% reduction in proactive policing hours and 348 arrests compared to the same period last year.

Insp. Max Waddell highlighted a brazen incident at a Real Canadian Superstore in south Winnipeg where suspects loaded multiple shopping carts with over $10,000 worth of meat. This organized theft highlights the severity of the issue and necessitates strong deterrent measures. The police are focusing on tackling not only the thefts themselves but also investigating individuals involved in selling stolen goods online. They are also working with community partners and social safety providers to support individuals who may be struggling with food insecurity, poverty, or addiction.

The police emphasize the importance of their Retail Theft Initiative in addressing the underlying causes of violent crime in the city. By cracking down on retail theft, they aim to disrupt the cycle of criminal activity driven by the sale of stolen goods. The work of the Property Crime Unit, Community Support Units, and loss prevention partners is crucial in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in theft offenses. With ongoing enforcement efforts and collaboration with community partners, the police hope to reduce the incidence of retail theft and its impact on overall crime rates.

The success of previous initiatives, such as the Christmas Retail Theft Initiative and Project Falcon, demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted enforcement and additional resources in combating retail theft. By deploying extra police resources in strategic areas, the police have seen positive results in reducing theft incidents and making arrests. The police are committed to continuing these initiatives and expanding their efforts to other areas in the city, with a focus on deterring theft and addressing the root causes of criminal activity. Through a multi-faceted approach, they aim to make Winnipeg a safer and more secure community for all residents.