REGINA — Four people are facing charges following a one-day targeted enforcement project by the Regina Police Service (RPS).
On Feb. 26, officers with the RPS Criminal Investigation Unit and Patrol Unit teamed up to identify and arrest shoplifters at two businesses – one in the 3900 block of Rochdale Boulevard and the other in the 1000 block of North Pasqua Street. Both locations are frequent targets for theft and robbery, say police.
The suspects were arrested outside the locations after they were observed leaving the business without paying for items in their possession. Stolen items included electronics, office supplies, spray paint, a watch and other items. A fifth suspect was arrested on outstanding warrants.
Police say the public can expect to hear more about this type of targeted enforcement as Regina police renews its focus on retail theft enforcement through the Retail Theft Strategy.
The Regina Police Service has a multi-pronged approach to tackling retail theft in Regina, including identifying ongoing crime trends, locations, and repeat offenders.
Business owners are encouraged to invest in security cameras, if possible, and always report theft to police, using the Direct Entry Victim Reporting system (DEVRS). All files are reviewed and offenders are held to account when investigations support criminal charges. The Regina Police Service takes retail theft seriously and, although much of the work takes place after the occurrence, collaborative crime prevention is a key component.
