172 busted in Vaughan shoplifting crackdown

A crackdown on retail theft in Vaughan — a growing concern for businesses throughout the

GTA — has resulted in 358 charges against 172 people.

York Regional Police said the Theft Project was launched on

Dec. 6 in collaboration with Vaughan Mills, the Retail Council of Canada and retail loss prevention o„cers.

More than $150,000 worth of stolen property has been recovered, and the eˆort has had a “significant impact on organized retail crime,” police said in a statement released Wednesday.

“The primary objective was to reduce financial losses for retailers within the community, while enhancing security and addressing retail crime,” they said. “Shoplifting has transitioned from sporadic, small-scale theft to a highly organized criminal enterprise contributing to monetary losses in the billions and threatens the safety and security of our community members for both retailers and consumers.”

Police said “high-risk retail locations” were identified based on historical data, intelligence provided by retailers, police data and current cases.

Charges to date include:

Theft under $5,000: 186 Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000: 103

Theft over $5,000: 4

Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000: 28

Resisting arrest: 6

Possession of a controlled substance: 10

Possession of a weapon: 5 Failing to comply: 11

YORK REGIONAL POLICE The Theft Project has led to 172 arrests and the recovery of more than $150,000 in stolen goods.