St. Catharines: 51 shoplifting arrests this autumn in retail theft initiative

The Niagara police’s CORE unit made over 50 arrests this fall in an anti-retail theft initiative.

The Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit was created to address social disorder and criminal activity that impact the community.

In response to concerns regarding monetary theft, violence and the presence of weapons in retail stores, the St. Catharines/Thorold CORE unit launched the 3P — Past the Point of Purchase — Shoplifting Initiative.

Between September and November, working with various retail partners, CORE members conducted nine focused initiatives to directly address retail theft.

As a result, 51 arrests were made and 48 criminal charges were laid.

CORE members identified a total of $14,600 in stolen merchandise — over $7,000 was recovered and returned to retail partners in “saleable” condition.

Authorities also seized weapons, laid drugs charges, and identified and arrested individuals with outstanding warrants.

Members of the St. Catharines/Thorold CORE Unit will be continuing the initiative to deter retail theft.

Community members who want to address the problem are encouraged to contact lead investigator Sergeant Richardson at 905-688-4111, option #3, extension 1009293.

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