20 arrests have been made over a three-day period following a string of retail robberies in Transcona and St. Boniface.
A retail theft suppression project conducted by the Winnipeg Police Service’s East District Community Support Unit, with the assistance of the Property Crime Unit, and East District General Patrol officers, took place between August 21 through August 23.
The project was a proactive effort to address the serious issue of shoplifting and the threat of injury to staff and the general public.
Starting on August 21 in Transcona, officers made a total of four arrests for a number of charges, including Robbery, Theft Under $5,000, and Possession of Break In Instruments.
The following day, also in Transcona, nine arrests were made for Robbery, Theft Under $5,000, and various warrants. Four people were taken into custody, two were released on Undertakings and three were diverted through Restorative Justice.
On August 23, in St. Boniface, seven individuals were arrested for Theft Under $5,000 and Possession of a Weapon. One individual was taken into custody, two were released on Undertakings, and four were diverted through Restorative Justice.
The goal of retail theft prevention is to raise awareness, deter potential offenders, and promote a safe and secure shopping environment. The success of the project is determined by effective collaboration between various stakeholders and a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of theft.