For the second straight year, Kelowna-area RCMP officers executed a multi-day blitz to target shoplifters around the region.
Operation Barcode took place from May 7-11 and targeted repeat shoplifters, with RCMP officers working closely with loss prevention officers from several retailers.
Although this year’s blitz was two days shorter than last year’s, it produced significant results and the recovery of more than $6,000 in merchandise.
According to police, Operation Barcode resulted in 34 arrests, 21 criminal charges, seven store bans, six restorative justice referrals and three individuals with warrants apprehended.
“Our team plays a large role in targeting and reducing property theft in our community and this operation continues to show its success,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie of the Community Safety Unit.
“Shoplifting remains one of our Crime Severity Index drivers and we will continue these types of initiatives until these figures change and we see more palatable numbers as a community.”
The Kelowna RCMP says the Operation Barcode program has become a nationwide success after first being launched by the Vancouver Police Department.
By assisting loss prevention officers with arrests, uniformed and plain-clothed officers can intervene and protect them from violent behaviour often exhibited during these incidents.
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