Mounties say they made 73 arrests in a five-week retail theft operation at the Metrotown shopping centre in Burnaby, B.C.
Police say they also recovered $23,000 worth of stolen merchandise in the initiative that began shortly before Christmas last year.
They say it was prompted by a “significant increase” in calls for service to the mall.
Of those arrested, police say three people had outstanding warrants and two were breaching court-ordered conditions, while officers made two youth restorative justice referrals and seized two knives.
Related:
Insp. Amanda Harnett says police worked with retailers and security officers at the mall to focus on high-theft areas.
She says theft rates went down, and while public safety has improved, criminals should expect to see similar operations in high-theft areas in the future.